Senate Expels Democrat Hiram Monserrate ALBANY (wned) - The New York Senate has voted to immediately expel Senator Hiram Monserrate. The Queens Democrat was convicted of a misdemeanor assault of his girlfriend last year.

The Senate voted 53-8 on Tuesday night to oust Monserrate.

"We will be challenging this in court," said Monserrate. "It's clear here that the rights of the voters of 13th Senatorial District were trampled upon. And we will fight for them."

He was convicted of dragging his girlfriend through his apartment lobby but acquitted of a felony. A felony conviction would have automatically cost him his job.

Monserrate was provided a chance to address the Senate before the vote. During his speech, he called the assault "a reckless act and for that I am sorry."

Monserrate later suggested that race may have played a part in the expulsion vote.

He said he will look to start the legal challenge today, if the weather permits.



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