(AP) - New York's Democratic conference of senators is withdrawing its second legal challenge to the head of a coalition that mounted a power overthrow June 8.

The Democratic conference wanted to get a judge to issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting Sen. Pedro Espada, elected Senate president by the Republican-dominated coalition, from assuming any duties of the post. Those duties and powers include being next in the line of succession to the governor. Espada said it also allows him to vote twice - as a senator and Senate president - to establish a quorum in the chamber now split 31-31.

Democrats and Republicans disagree on why the request was withdrawn.

It may all be decided if Democrats appeal another judge's decision to keep the courts out of the dispute.