ALBANY — The Queens Democratic Party chairman and five Democratic state senators yesterday called for the ouster of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, virtually assuring the removal of the freshman Queens Democrat who was convicted Thursday of assaulting his girlfriend.
The quick reaction to Monserrate’s conviction on a misdemeanor assault charge and acquittal on two far more serious felony charges of slashing Karla Giraldo with a broken glass came as a broader effort to obtain his resignation or ouster was under way among the Senate’s 32 Democrats.
The New York chapter of the National Organization for Women also called on the Senate to remove Monserrate.
Rep. Joe Crowley, the influential leader of the Queens County Democratic Party, delivered a powerful blow against the lawmaker yesterday when he called for him to step down.
“His violent behavior was not befitting a public official, and Queens residents deserve the opportunity to elect a new representative,” Crowley said. “He should close this troubling chapter by immediately resigning his office.”
The Senate’s 30 Republicans, meanwhile, were preparing a formal resolution to expel Monserrate.
They believe that, under state law, a majority vote — and five Democrats would provide that — can remove Monserrate from the Senate.
“I think it’s all over for Monserrate,” said Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn).
Democratic Sen. Liz Krueger of Manhattan, a leading women’s-rights advocate, was the first to call for Monserrate’s ouster as she declared, “I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate.
“For the sake of his constituents, the institution of the Senate, and the Democratic Party, he should resign immediately based on the seriousness of his violent crime.”
Krueger said it didn’t matter that Monserrate was acquitted on the two felony charges, either of which would have brought automatic expulsion from the Senate.
“The justice system has determined that Mr. Monserrate has violated our laws and is guilty of a very disturbing and violent crime against a woman,” Krueger said.
“Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and an issue which I believe requires us to speak out.”
Joseph Tacopina, the lawyer for Monserrate, who faces up to a year in jail at his sentencing Dec. 4, said the Senate had no authority to remove him.
“There’s no legal basis for it, no legal basis for it whatsoever,” Tacopina said. “They can’t just vote him off. This is a political ploy, not one based on the law and not based on logic.”
Sen. Brian Foley (D-Suffolk) pledged to “introduce a measure for his expulsion/impeachment from the Senate” if Monserrate refuses to resign.
Sen. Neil Breslin (D-Albany) also weighed in, saying, “He’s been convicted of a violent crime, and I think we should expect him to resign to uphold the standards of the Senate.”
Also calling for Monserrate’s removal were Sen. David Valesky (D-Syracuse) and Sen. Darrel Aubertine (D-Watertown).
Gov. Paterson would be required to call a special election to fill the seat if Monserrate resigned or were removed, but nothing in state law would prevent the lawmaker from seeking re-election.
Additional reporting by David Seifman and Brendan Scott