Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver just emerged from a two-way meeting at the Capitol and informed reporters they will head down the Thruway in hopes of meeting with Gov. David Paterson, who departed Albany yesterday and has not returned.

It’s unclear where, exactly, Paterson has been and what he’s been doing since he did his early-morning radio shows (WGY and WOR) yesterday and then held a brief press gaggle.

Erin Billups of NY1 reports the legislative leaders hope to confab with the governor in NYC before sundown – perhaps sometime around 6 p.m., I’m told.

Silver is an Orthodox Jew and observes Shabbat, which starts when it gets dark and lasts until the same time tomorrow. That means he’s out of pocket and can’t do any budget negotiations, although staffs generally continue to meet through the weekends.

Sampson insisted earlier today that he’s still holding out for a three-way deal. He told reporters he and Silver are pretty much in agreement, and now just need Paterson to get on board.

“We are close to reaching that point, and I think once we get an opportunity to discuss this with the governor to get this thing finally resolved,” Sampson said.

“I mean it’s extremely close. But at this point and time, things happen where things are getting really, really close, things tend to explode, but things come back together.”

“… I think we’re all trying to get this done as soon as possible, we’re not trying to wait until Monday. I would love for us to just get it done – hopefully before Monday. But if it has to get done on Monday, it gets done on Monday…I’m looking forward to passing budget bills, I’m not doing it through the extenders.”

However, nothing is going to get passed today because the Assembly has adjourned and is headed home, according to Silver spokesman Dan Weiller, who stressed: “Members are available to return to Albany whenever they are needed.”

I haven’t heard about the Senate yet, but I’m told they’re still in session.

State Budget Director Robert Megna is expected to brief the press this afternoon about the governor’s budget extender bills, which he has repeatedly insisted will include the remainder of his 2010-2011 executive spending plan – complete with the cuts and revenue raisers that the Legislature insists it won’t accept.

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