Uncertainty again reigned in Albany Monday as a state judge gave both sides in the ongoing Senate power struggle a day to reach a compromise.

Also on Monday, dissident Democrat Hiram Monserrate announced he is back with the Democratic conference, seven days after he was part of a group of 30 Republicans and two Democrats who voted to replace the Democratic leadership.

Monserrate said as a precondition to his return he forced a leadership change in the Democratic conference. The Senate Democrats agreed to put Sen. John Sampson in a new position in which he will be in charge of daily operations of the chamber as well as be the face of the conference.

But Sen. Malcolm Smith insists he is still the Senate majority leader despite the 31-31 split created by Monserrate's return.