(AP) - Republicans and two dissident Democratsappear to have taken control of New York's Senate after the two New York City renegades voted with the GOP to throw the fledgling Democratic majority out of power in a parliamentary coup.

The decision by senators Pedro Espada Jr., of the Bronx, and Hiram Monserrate, of Queens, to join the coalition gave Republicans a 32-30 voting edge on hastily introduced measures that changed the leadership structure. Neither Espada nor Monserrate are changing party affiliation. The Associated Press had incorrectly reported the two senators were changing party affiliations.

Democrats held the Senate for barely five months after being out of power for four decades. They say the overthrow is illegal.