The revolution shall be texted.

IMG00019

Assemblyman Michael Benjamin has been sending me updates via his cell phone of the Red Room sit-in staged by some two-dozen Democrats who are fed up with the ongoing budget stalemate and demanding to see the governor.

“On the Jack McEneny Red Room tour,” Benjamin joked, adding that the group is talking with Paterson’s top aide, Larry Schwartz, who is “rightfully faulting union inaction; I believe him.”

Apparently, it was the Albany lawmaker who led the brigade, although we have since received a press release from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s office announcing she and at least 19 colleagues have “stormed” the governor’s office and want to talk to him about the fact that there have been no substantive negotiations in “weeks.”

“The lack of an approved budget is having serious economic implications for all New YorkersGalef said. “We have had enough waiting and we demand action be taken by all sides.”

UPDATE: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is NOT there. Assemblyman Tim Gordon told reporters that speaker “has a leadership style that is his own.” (As per CapConf).

Paterson just emerged to talk to reporters, who tried to get into the Red Room and were ejected. Capital Tonight’s Kaitlyn Ross said the governor was asked: “Is this a publicity stunt?”

“Even that would help pass the budget,” Paterson replied.