APNewsBreak: Panel says NY state senator convicted of assault should be expelled or censured

APNewsBreak: Removal or censure for NY senator

ALBANY, N.Y. — Legislative officials says a special New York Senate committee is recommending either censuring or expelling a senator following his misdemeanor assault conviction.

The officials are familiar with the report and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly. They say the decision leaves fate of Sen. Hiram Monserrate (MAHN’-suh-raht) in the hands of the full Senate.

Monserrate says he won’t give up his job even if the Senate expels him.

A lawyer for the Queens Democrat, Joseph Tacopina (tack-oh-PEE’-nah), has said there’s no legal foundation for expulsion.

Monserrate was convicted of dragging his girlfriend but acquitted of a felony. Her face was slashed by broken glass during what both called an accident.

Associated Press Writer Michael Gormley contributed to this report.