New York’s marriage equality bill has had a wild ride this year, to say the least.

Though Governor Paterson introduced his marriage bill -- known as a “program bill” -- in April amid some dissent, the measure passed the assembly rather handily, 89-52, in May. But in June a power struggle between Republicans and Democrats in the senate ground Albany to a halt, confounding attempts to get a vote on the bill. By July, Democrats regained control of the senate with Senator Espada becoming the majority leader and Senator Smith remaining senate president.

But Paterson hopes that will all be water under the bridge by the end of the year.

“After the loss of Proposition 8 in California, I've sensed a little confusion and maybe stunned reaction from a lot of the advocates,” he said. Legalizing same-sex marriage in New York, he added, could help “reignite” the marriage spark that tore through the Northeastern states earlier this year.

“I think New York can play an immense role in terms of the national discussion about marriage equality and getting that train right back on the track,” Paterson said.