ALBANY, N.Y (AP) — A New York state senator who betrayed his Democratic colleagues by joining Republicans in a brief coup and was convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge for dragging his girlfriend around during an argument says he'll go back to court to fight his expulsion from the Senate.
The New York Senate voted 53-8 on Tuesday night to oust Sen. Hiram Monserrate (HY'-ruhm mahn-suh-RAHT'), a move he calls an injustice to the people who elected him.
Monserrate and another Democrat teamed with Republicans last summer and triggered a monthlong legislative gridlock before they switched back. Monserrate then was convicted at trial of dragging Karla Giraldo through his lobby in December 2008.
Sen. Ruben Diaz says the Democratic conference voted to expel Monserrate "to get even" with him.
Monserrate has apologized for any discredit his conduct brought to the Senate.
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