Senate Democratic spokesman Austin Shafran sent over the latest available information on the three cliffhanger races that will decide who controls the chamber – unless, of course, there’s a 31-31 deadlock, which is looking increasingly possible with each passing day.

The Republicans are continuing to insist they’ve got a lock on the majority with a 32-30 split. But the Dems are holding out hope for that the recounts will turn the tables in their favor. Said Shafran:

“Every vote counts, so every vote must be counted. Once every vote has been counted, it will be clear Senate Democrats kept the majority.”

The breakdown:

- SD-60 (Sen. Democratic Sen. Antoine Thompson vs. Mark Grisanti, a Democrat who has, according to the Republicans, agreed to caucus with the GOP if he’s elected)).

With all EDs counted, Thompson trails by 468 votes. The Republicans dispute this number, saying it’s more like 598 after the recanvassing.

“Mark Grisanti has a significant lead, and we remain confident about the absentee ballots that have been returned. Grisanti looks like a winner,” said Senate Republican spokesman Scott Reif.

Some 2,600 absentee ballots remain to be counted, including 2188 absentee ballots from Erie County (3-1 Democrat enrollment advantage); 1,000 emergency ballots remain to be counted.

An Order to Show Cause was signed in state Supreme Court Erie County. Former Senate Minoprity Leader/election attorney Martin Connor is appearing before the judge tomorrow.

An Order to Show Cause was also filed by Republicans in Niagara County. A full manual recount of all ballots expected to begin next week

- SD-37 (Democratic Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer vs. Republican Bob Cohen). UPDATE: With 279 out of 281 EDs counted, Oppenheimer is up 466 votes. “She’s gaining strength and closing,” Shafran said.

There are 2,106 absentee ballots to be counted (Dem- 992, R- 699, Ind- 44, Con- 24, WFP- 1, Blank- 346). The specific number of emergency ballots is unknown.

An Order to Show Cause being filed and signature expected today. Attorneys Frank Hoare (a former aide to AG Andrew Cuomo) and Henry Berger will appear on behalf of the Democrats.

- SD-7 (Democratic Sen. Craig Johnson vs. Republican Jack Martins). Johnson is down 415 votes with all the EDs counted. Some 3,383 absentee ballots are outstanding. The number of voided or provisional/emergency ballots is unknown.

An Order to Show Cause being is filed and signature expected today. Attorney Tom Garry will appear for the Democrats.

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