ALBANY, N.Y. -- After what seemed to be an end to the week’s long standstill in negotiations over senate control, talks between democrats and the 'Gang of Three' have fallen through.

"It has become very clear to me and to our members that the negotiations are no more about reform and change and therefore we are ceasing those negotiations immediately,” said Malcolm Smith, Senate Democratic Leader.

According to reports, Senators Karl Kruger, Ruben Diaz and Senator-elect Pedro Espada say Smith reneged on their agreement. Smith says the three have ulterior motives.

"I thought this was about reform and about real change, but it became clear to me over time that this was more about personal interest,” said Smith.

Smith referenced what he saw as Espada's demand for more money, along with the Majority Leader title he was slated to get. Espada maintains that he was unconcerned about the money and only wanted more power, which he says Smith stripped away. Another reason for Smith's about face his desire that gay marriage not be used as a bargaining chip. Senator Diaz wanted to keep the issue off the senate floor.

"That issue should never had been a part of the negotiations. Any civil rights matter should not be,” said Smith.

Now Smith's conference, minus the three, is standing behind him more satisfied with this arrangement.

"We've been elected to fight the fiscal crisis, look for universal healthcare and not to concentrate, negotiate with three people who are trying to accumulate things for themselves,” said Albany Senator Neil Breslin.

However, losing those three votes could mean losing the majority.

"We would rather wait if we have to, to go to the majority than to basically be in a place where we compromise all of our integrity,” said Smith.

Republicans say it's unfortunate for Smith his negotiations fell short, but they're still holding on to hopes they'll remain in the majority.

"The numbers may be 32-30 on paper but they obviously don't equate to majority votes that way,” said Senate Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous.

Libous wouldn't say whether republicans have been in talks with the Gang of Three. Espada, though, tells reporters he wants a democrat to be in charge, just not Malcolm Smith. Meanwhile, Smith says he is willing to welcome republicans into their conference.

"We're prepared to talk to any senator who is prepared to be a part of the reform and a part of the agenda that talks to the transparency and openness of state government that we fought for,” said Smith.

Smith says while he will not negotiate with the three democrats as a group, he will talk with them each individually. He says as of now, the position of majority leader and president pro temp of the senate will not be separated.