After about five hours of deliberation, the New York State Senate voted tonight to expel state senator Hiram Monserrate, marking the first time since the 1920s that a sitting state lawmaker has been expelled from the Legislature. The Times reports that Monserrate’s lawyers are drafting a temporary restraining order which seeks to have him reinstated.
The senator was convicted last fall of misdemeanor assault after fighting with girlfriend Karla Giraldo and leaving a gash on her face, though he was acquitted of felony charges. Governor David Paterson has already stated that a special election will be held between 30 to 45 days from Monserrate’s exit to elect a replacement.
