ALBANY, N.Y. -- There's word that a state Senate committee is recommending the expulsion or censure of Senator Hiram Monserrate following his misdemeanor assault conviction.

Legislative officials close to the committee said they plan to send the issue to the full state Senate.

Monserrate has said even if he is expelled, he will not give up his job. His lawyer said there is no legal foundation for expulsion.

In October, the Queens Democrat was convicted of misdemeanor assault for dragging his girlfriend through his apartment building lobby, but he was acquitted of felony assault for slashing her across the face with a piece of broken glass. He was sentenced to three years probation.

If he had been convicted of a felony, he would have automatically lost his seat.