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Monserrate voted out

ALBANY -- The New York State Senate has voted to immediately expel Senator Hiram Monserrate, who was convicted of misdemeanor assault.

The Senate voted 53-8 tonight to oust Monserrate. The Queens Democrat 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 says the vote is depriving voters of their right to choose a representative. He has vowed to fight an explusion.

The Senate Democratic Conference agreed earlier today to put forth two resolutions to the full Senate. One of them called for Monserrate's immediate expulsion, the other to expel him by June 30 or following his criminal appeal.

Democrats declined to consider a motion to simply censure him. Monserrate is appealing his conviction.

Watch Kumi Tucker's report from NewsChannel13 Live at 11

After the vote, Governor David A. Paterson called for a special election for Tuesday, March 16, to fill Monserrate's 13th Senate District seat:

"This Special Election will ensure that all New Yorkers are represented in the New York State Senate," Governor Paterson said. "I urge all eligible voters to go to the polls on March 16 to select their next State Senator."

STATEMENT FROM NY NOW PRESIDENT MARCIA PAPPAS:

"For over a year The National Organization for Women-New York State has repeatedly sent the message that anything less than expulsion was not acceptable. Any form of violence against women is not acceptable. We hope that this serves as a wakeup call to all law makers. Whether you are a candidate or a sitting elected official, if you are violent towards another person, you are not fit to hold office."

NOW New York State thanks Senator Sampson for his leadership on this issue and for listening to the citizens of New York State. We also thank Senator Schneidermann for his superb leadership as Chair of the Special Senate Committee.

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NY Senate votes to expel convicted lawmaker