GOP State Sen. Frank Padavan is back in the 11th District seat he had held for more than 30 years.

But much has changed since he and his Democratic opponent City Councilman James Gennaro faced off on Election Day in November.

The longtime legislator had to really battle for his seat. Even after the Election Day tally had him ahead, he wasn’t declared the winner until earlier this month and was sworn in at a ceremony Sunday.

Republican and Democratic officials volleyed in courtrooms for weeks. Padavan continued to work in his district office without an official title or a paycheck.

And when it was all over, Padavan and Gennaro exchanged bitter words via written statements.

Padavan said last week he is ready to move on and pledged to run again in 2010.

“We have received thousands of phone calls, letters and e-mails from people to show their support,” he said. “I am not exaggerating.”

Padavan said he isn’t discouraged that Republicans are no longer in control of the state Senate.

“That’s a narrow issue,” he said. “Everyone is going to have to work together during these tough times.”

He said their focus should be on how the federal stimulus package will help New York fill funding gaps in health and education programs.

Padavan didn’t want to revisit the criticisms of Gennaro and Democratic officials who said he was trying to suppress votes by challenging paper ballots.

However, in a statement released earlier this month, Padavan did take a swing at Gennaro and his consultants for “engaging in a shameful smear campaign.”

In a concession statement, Gennaro wished Padavan well but called for him to apologize to voters.

Gennaro said he hasn’t decided whether he will run for reelection or challenge Padavan again. He said he is too busy working on immediate issues, such as the possible closing of Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Since Padavan’s district and Gennaro’s Council district overlap, there is a chance the two will meet again in the coming months. Padavan was not concerned.

“I’ve worked very closely with many of my colleagues across the aisle,” Padavan said. “He’s never been one of them.”

Source: NY Daily News