by David Cruz 

State Sen. Jeff Klein, who’s coalition as the Independent Democratic Conference president increased his a status as a key political figure in the Bronx and Albany, plans to end his relationship with Senate Republicans to rejoin the Senate Democrats in January. The move raises the political influence of Senate Democrats, who were cast aside during the Legislative Session.

Klein, a Democrat, was heavily influenced to rejoin Senate Democrats by Governor Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, who believes more progressive goals will be achieved under Klein’s decision.

Klein told the Daily News that his decision to rejoin Democrats came after much of the core Democratic initiatives such as the DREAM Act, public campaign financing and an increase to the minimum wage failed to pass during the Legislative session.

Rejoining with Senate Democrats potentially weakens the political platform exploited by former Councilman Oliver Koppell, a career politician from Riverdale vying for Klein’s 33rd Senate District seat. Koppell has considered Klein a turncoat for allying with Senate Republicans initially, though the latest move by Klein could leave Koppell seeking another argument.

Koppell told the Norwood News that Klein’s decision to ally with Senate Democrats doesn’t go far enough. Ultimately, Koppell wants Klein to dissolve the IDC. But despite a major portion of Koppell’s argument falling flat, Koppell still plans to submit petitions by July 7.