ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos predicts that, if given the chance, the Senate would vote to expel Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who was recently convicted of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend.

In radio and press interviews Tuesday, Skelos said it will be largely up to Senate Democratic leader John Sampson, whose party has a 32-30 majority, whether an expulsion resolution reaches the Senate floor for a vote.

A nine-member Senate committee appointed by Sampson is reviewing Monserrate's case and whether to recommend censure, expulsion or something else. Sampson says he is waiting for the panel's recommendation, now expected next week.

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