ALBANY, N. Y. -- Governor Paterson says he is happy Senate leaders have at least agreed to debate the gay marriage issue. Still Senate Democrats and Republicans say the votes are just not there yet. More special sessions are planned for next Monday and Tuesday.

Gay marriage advocates came to the Capitol for Tuesday's special session in an effort to lobby Senators like downstate Democrat and gay marriage opponent Reverend Ruben Diaz. He says last week's elections, when places like Maine repealed a state law that would have allowed same sex couples to marry, has weakened support for a same-sex marriage bill.

But New York State's bill sponsor, and openly gay Senator Tom Duane says it's not over yet.

"I am very optimistic and continuing to, as I've been doing for a long time, to lobby my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I remain very optimistic," said Duane.

After the governor met with senators and gay marriage advocates they announced the Senate leadership has promised to bring the bill to the floor for a vote before the end of the year.

Capital Tonight has exclusive content that breaks down where each senator stands on the issue of marriage equality. View the exclusive Capital Tonight survey.