During a stop in Binghamton today, Sen. Chuck Schumer took what I consider a baby step forward on the controversial mosque/Islamic center proposed for construction near Ground Zero, declaring on camera that he is “not opposed” tot he project.

Schumer has been unusually reticient on this topic. The last time a YNN reporter asked him to state his position, he referred that individual to a (verbal) statement released by his office.

The senior senator’s position hasn’t actually changed from a substantive point of view. He declined to go into any detail on any aspect of the project whatsoever, be it investigating the funding stream (when and if there is one of any significance) or finding a less sensitive location somewhere further from Ground Zero.

Recall that Gov. David Paterson and Archbishop Timothy Dolan are both proponents of that idea, the former more overtly than the latter, and will be meeting at 3 p.m. today to discuss how to tamp down tensions surrounding this issue.

Here’s exactly what Schumer said today:

“Well, um, I really have nothing new to add. As I’ve said over the last several weeks, I’m not opposed to it, and I think that’s the appropriate thing for me to say. So, I have nothing more new to add. OK?”

During last night’s GOP US Senate debate, both Gary Berntsen and Jay Townsend were critical of Schumer for being less than verbose on the mosque, with Berntsendsaying the senior senator is “in the fetal position in his office,” adding: “He hasn’t made a statement; he’s hiding.”

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