Does Anyone Really Want To Keep Hiram In Office?

After State Senator Hiram Monserrate was found guilty of a misdemeanor related to assaulting his girlfriend (he was acquitted on two felonies; he and his girlfriend have also insisted it was an accident), some of his State Senate colleagues demanded he step down. Now, others are joining in the call for Monserrate to step down—including Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The Daily Politics offers up statements from the two NY Senators: Schumer said, "I think Hiram Monserrate should do the right thing for the State of New York, the State Senate, and his constituents and resign," while Gillibrand said, "A court of law has found Sen. Monserrate guilty of domestic violence, and I believe he should resign immediately." Mayor Bloomberg said Monserrate's actions were "disgraceful, despicable, deplorable," and the Daily News also reported that State Senate Majority conference leader John Sampson was convening a panel to consider the Queens Democrat's expulsion.

And NY State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs told the Post, "The court had its opinion, but we all know what this was, and, frankly, it doesn't represent the Democratic Party, and I think the best thing he can do for everyone is to resign." There is also the inevitable Hiram Monserrate Must Resign blog, which is keeping track of lawmakers who think he should step down.