By Jeremy Walsh
The state Senate is forming a special committee to establish proper procedures after Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D-Jackson Heights) was convicted of a misdemeanor assault of his girlfriend last week, the Senate’s Democratic Conference leader announced Tuesday.
The committee’s decision could lead to censure or a full expulsion of Monserrate from the Senate.
The committee is to have five Democrats and four Republicans, including Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), the only representative from Queens, Sen. John Sampson (D-Brooklyn), the Democratic leader, said.
The Republicans have agreed to the state Senate Review Committee but have not yet submitted representative names, he told a news conference in Manhattan Tuesday.
“As a father with a daughter, I am not only angry, I am p—– off,” Sampson said, “but as a leader, I cannot let my feelings supersede the right of other members.” Although Sampson will not be on the committee, he contends he cannot justify Monserrate’s full expulsion until a review of procedures allows the senator to defend himself.
The senatorial committee, which has not yet released a deadline for its decision, will hold public hearings.
The Republican camp is griping that the nine-person committee is imbalanced with five Democrats calling it “unfair” despite dangers of a deadlock.
“Anyone who was around in June remembers what even balance does,” said Sen. Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan), who has been appointed to the committee. He was referring to the gridlock that stopped the government in Albany when Monserrate and another senator crossed the aisle to join the Republicans in an attempt to establish power positions for themselves within the Legislature.
In response to Tuesday's announcement, Monserrate said in a prepared statement that he and his attorney plan to cooperate fully.
