State Senate ousts Senator from Queens

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - The State Senate has voted to expel Hiram Monserrate.

The Queens Democrat was convicted of a misdemeanor after he was caught on camera pulling his girlfriend out of an apartment building during a domestic fight.

Democratic Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson released this statement:

“There is no question those of us fortunate enough to hold a position of public trust must be held to a higher standard befitting the privilege of representing the people of New York. Today, the Senate acted to protect the best interests of the people we serve and preserve the dignity of our body.

“The decision to expel a member was not an easy choice, but I encouraged my colleagues in the State Senate on a bipartisan basis to vote their conscience on the recommendations of the Select Committee.

“While the Select Committee went to extraordinary lengths to conduct a full, fair, and thorough review of all relevant facts, evidence, rules, and procedures, I still believe the Senate should not have acted to expel Senator Monserrate while the appeal of his conviction is pending in the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court. I would have supported expulsion if his conviction was upheld.

“New York faces many challenges in the months ahead. We will meet those challenges head on, deliver the change New Yorkers demand, and give our state the results it deserves.”

Governor David Paterson has announced he will call for a special election to fill the vacant seat:

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he will call a special election for Tuesday, March 16, to fill a vacancy in the 13th Senate District.

"This Special Election will ensure that all New Yorkers are represented in the New York State Senate," Governor Paterson said. "I urge all eligible voters to go to the polls on March 16 to select their next State Senator."

Governor Paterson will issue the Special Election Proclamation on February 10, pursuant to Section 42 of the Public Officers Law. The proclamation orders that an election for a Member of the Senate be held in the 13th Senate District in Queens County and shall be conducted in the manner prescribed by law for elections in New York State.