New York, NY —

A well-crafted press conference featuring State Sen. Pedro Espada, a Bronx Democrat, nearly was upended by opponents representing tenant rights groups.

Espada was flanked by nearly a hundred people on the steps of City Hall Wednesday as he announced a proposal to freeze rent for many tenants of rent-regulated apartments. But not everyone in the crowd was a supporter: One held up a sign reading "Beware of this bill: Like Espada It is a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." The enterprising protester stood right next to Espada as TV cameras were rolling.

As soon as Espada's staffers caught on, they launched into an impromptu ballet, using anything at their disposal to obscure the young woman's protest sign from the cameras -- all without disrupting Espada.

But it didn't work. Like a political version of "whack-a-mole," no sooner had they successfully blocked one sign than others popped up in the mostly pro-Espada crowd.

Espada is a controversial figure. In Albany, he's seen as the one who disrupted the delicate balance of power in the Senate by bolting the Democratic Party before negotiating his return, with perks. In the city, his critics see him as a pro-landlord, anti-tenant voice in legislative debates.

He dismisses critics as being out of touch with the people he represents. He says he is neither pro-tenant nor pro-landlord just pro-affordable housing.

After the poster mishap, Espada only entertained a few questions from the press and was guided away by staffers and plainclothes City Hall security. He was led right to a group of well wishers who begged him to pose for a photo.