However, after counting absentee ballots and performing a machine recount, Present was declared the winner by 190 votes.
[2] Present was hurt in the general election by having Republican Assemblyman John W. Hasper win nine percent of the vote as the Conservative nominee.
Shortly after his election scare in 1992, Present was chosen as Deputy Majority Leader.
Present was closely allied with Rockefeller Republican Ralph J. Marino during his time as senator.
Present left as Deputy Majority Leader in January 1995 when Bruno chose one of his allies for the post.