Senate President Says There Are "Sufficient Votes" to Expel Monserrate

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, New York – Senate President Malcolm Smith says he believes the votes are there to expel State Senator Hiram Monserrate, when the Senate takes action Tuesday against the Queens Senator, who was convicted of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend.

"I believe if an expulsion resolution comes to the floor, there's more than sufficient votes," said Smith. "And he would be expelled."

Even though the majority of Senators seem to want Monserrate out, Smith says there are complicating factors. For one, he says Senator Monserrate's case is currently on appeal. Senators may also consider some kind of sanctions or censure of Monserrate as an alternative to expulsion.

Senator Smith won't say how he might vote. Senate Democrats planned to discuss the matter in a private meeting before Tuesday's session.

Senate Republicans, and some Senate Democrats, have threatened to force a vote to expel Monserrate, if the Democratic leadership opts for the lesser penalty of censure.