Gang of Four Now Just Three Amigos

The much-hyped Gang of Four, the group of Democratic state senators who were showing resistance in following new Senate leader Malcolm Smith have one less to count among their rankings. Hiram Monserrate, just elected to the senate out of Queens, said yesterday, I'm ready to move forward and not waste one more minute debating politics. I am prepared to lead, and Malcolm Smith is prepared to lead the Senate." Monserrate denied being promised anything in return for his support, but speculation is that he may chair the Consumer Affairs Committee. With a meeting among the four scheduled for Tuesday, a top Democratic senator told the News that the Gang's uprising will taper off and "the rest of them now will cut their own individual deals."