Senate set to decide on Monserrate expulsion

By WBNG News

Senate set to decide on Monserrate expulsion

July 22, 2010 Updated Feb 9, 2010 at 10:15 AM EST

Albany, NY (WBNG Binghamton)The New York state Senate is set to decide whether to expel or censure a senator convicted of misdemeanor assault.

The New York state Senate is set to decide
whether to expel or censure a senator convicted of misdemeanor
assault.

Sen. Hiram Monserrate, a Queens Democrat, was convicted of
dragging his girlfriend through his apartment lobby, but was
acquitted of a felony. A felony conviction would have automatically
cost him his job.

Senate Democratic leader Malcolm Smith says he expects there
will be enough votes to expel Monserrate. The vote is expected
later Tuesday.

Expelling Monserrate could weaken the Democrats in a chamber
that was paralyzed by partisanship last year. They'd be left with
just a 31-30 majority, with at least two Democrats who have voted
against their party at times.

Monserrate says he's not leaving and is appealing the assault
charge.

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.