NY Senate deems domestic abuse almost as bad as switching parties (but not quite)

What's more "thuggish?"  (a) Assaulting your girlfriend or (b) threatening to undermine your political party?

That would be (b), threatening to undermine your political party.

Remember New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate?  You might know him from his immigration reform efforts.  Or maybe you know him from such articles as  "State Senator indicted in stabbing."  Either way, he is now also famous for being expelled from the New York State Senate. 

Before I continue, I'd just like to say that the award for best coverage of this event goes to Kenneth Lovett of the New York Daily News, who reported that

"Women's groups had argued that anything short of expulsion would be a slap in the face to domestic violence victims and all women."*

Actually, they argued that "domestic violence has no place in our society [...] and must not be tolerated in any form."  But that's some funny wordplay!

See, state senator Hiram Monserrate assaulted his girlfriend in 2008.  He was charged with felony assault and possession of a weapon for stabbing his girlfriend in the face with a broken drinking glass, which required more than twenty stitches around her eye.

At that time, Monserrate was in danger of defecting the party and Democrats were majority by a single vote.  Naturally, he was given a committee chairmanship.  Sort of like inviting the world's most hated comedian to host the Washington Correspondence Dinner but way, way worse. 

One of Monsarrate's most loyal supporters was Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, who hosted a fundraiser benefiting Monserrate in March of 2009.  But in June, Monsarrate defected anyway.  And that's when everyone suddenly starting questioning his ability to lead.

Smith, through his spokesperson, called Monserrate a "thug."  For a moment it seemed that Malcolm finally saw Monsaratte for the disgraceful domestic abuser he is.  Then Monseratte rejoined and Smith praised him as "someone who we're happy to have in our conference."

So in sum: Switch parties, "a thug."  Stab girlfriend, drink champagne at the Crown Plaza of Albany.

The matter is far from settled.  Monsarrate's lawyer argues that the Senate doesn't have the constitutional authority to expel someone for a misdemeanor. 

Yes.  But they do have the constitutional authority to hate you.   In the meantime, I'd like to see Kenneth Lovett hosting a comedy show on NBC.  I bet he can think of some great puns for Haiti.
*phrase has since been removed

(This post also cross-posted on Open Salon)