NEW YORK STATE -- Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith is now saying, not so fast, putting a deal reached with three hold-out Democrats, known as the "gang of three" on shaky ground.

“We are having ongoing negotiations. The good thing is we are all united. The members have stated again their support for me in these negotiations and they will stand by the negotiations that I finalize,” said Smith.

His comments contradict details that emerged from a deal he brokered with the three so-called gang members. Under the agreement, Senator-elect Pedro Espada Jr. was to become the second-highest ranking member of the senate, Senator Carl Kruger was to be named Finance Committee chairman, and Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. may have been given assurances that a vote to legalize gay marriage would be blocked. However, Smith says no leadership positions have been assigned. Senators in line for top posts say nothing is final.

“So far there has not been an agreement on any of the things we hear about and we have the utmost faith in the leader that he'll be able to strike an agreement that allows the democratic conference to move forward and finally usher in a new Albany,” said Jeff Klein.

The Democratic senators met for more than three hours on Saturday. None of the so-called gang members were there, but Smith says that all 32 Democratic senators, including the three former hold-outs, are supporting him. In a telephone interview after the meeting, Diaz said that Smith is not being honest about the deal. Diaz says reports in the press about the agreement are accurate.

In addition to voicing their support for Smith, Members leaving this closed door meeting say they are thrilled to finally be in the majority after more than 40 years.

“I am excited about just seeing all of my colleagues together, sitting down, talking about how we are going to move this state ahead,” said Eric Adams.

However, until a firm deal is in place, the political maneuvering for power in the senate seems certain to continue.