Krueger Demands Monserrate's Resignation
October 16th, 2009
Sen. Liz Krueger is demanding that Sen. Hiram Monserrate resign from the Senate.
“I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate, and 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,” read a statement from Krueger.
It is no secret that a number of Senate Democrats were hoping that Monserrate would be convicted of a felony and thereby lose his Senate seat. Now convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge, there are still a number of Democrats who want Monserrate gone, one way or the other. Krueger wants Monserrate to oust himself. Some Democrats have said that Monserrate will face further discipline.
Monserrate will be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces up to a year in jail. Some Demorats are not terribly keen on having Monserrate around for the upcoming elections in 2o1o. Others see Monserrate’s conviction of a misdemeanor as a blight on the body as a whole.
“The Senate is exploring our institutional legal options now that the Courts have ruled, but haven’t yet issued a sentence,” said Krueger. “For me, the length of the sentence does not matter – domestic violence is domestic violence, guilt is guilt. Therefore, I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate.”
Here is Krueger’s full statement.
“”I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate, and 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.
Being an elected official is an honor and a privilege, not a right. As a state legislator , the voters give you the power to decide what laws all 19 million of us live under. And as such we are obligated to hold ourselves to the highest standards of our laws.
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. Domestic violence is a scourge on our society, and an issue which I believe requires us to speak out. Only through speaking out can we work to prevent more violence, support survivors, end the stigma and fear that victims deal with, and advocate for stronger penalties for those who believe they are above the law and violate another human being.
The Senate is exploring our institutional legal options now that the Courts have ruled, but haven’t yet issued a sentence. For me, the length of the sentence does not matter – domestic violence is domestic violence, guilt is guilt. Therefore, I believe Hiram Monserrate should not remain in the Senate.”
By David King on October 16, 2009, 12:34 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »



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