It appears a vote will take place next week in the state Senate to determine the fate of downstate Senator Hiram Monserrate, who was convicted of a misdemeanor assault last year. It's still unclear whether that vote will be to expel the senator or to censure him on the Senate floor. Our Kaitlyn Ross talked to senators on both sides of the aisle and has more.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- "I think there should be a higher degree of responsibility here. Hiram Monserratte should be removed and I will argue that strenuously, I firmly believe he does not belong in the Senate," said Senator Neil Breslin.

After months of committee meetings, reports and recommendations, Breslin says just censuring the Queens Senator doesn't go far enough.

"I personally think I would vote against that and get up and explain why I'm voting against that," said Breslin.

Long Island Senator Brian Foley has already drafted a resolution that calls for Monserratte to be expelled, but it's unclear whether that's the version Conference Leader John Sampson will bring to the floor. Democratic sources say he's undecided.

"John has a very difficult job as leader, because as a lawyer, he's worried about due process, doing the right thing. He's worried about removing someone and then putting chaos into the Senate again because there will be no control. He's worried about an appeal from Hiram Monsserate. He has a lot on his mind," said Breslin.

Senate republicans had initially threatened to force a vote on Monday if Sampson didn't bring the measure to the floor, but now, it looks like they too will wait to see what he does.

"I don't think we should put our own resolution on the floor. I think we should wait to see which one he puts out there," said Senator James Alesi.

Alesi served on the committee that reviewed the case against Monserratte and is advocating not for censure or expulsion, but a third option instead.

"I'm calling on Senator Hiram Monserratte to resign right now so he can save everybody the trouble of having to expel or censure him. It would be difficult to vote against any measure to discipline him. But my preference would be to expel him," Alesi said.

But whether he leaves on his own or is forced out, both men agree no senator who commits a violent crime against a woman should be allowed to serve.

"We have to begin, step by step, to make the legislature a better place. Because it is not a good place to be right now," Breslin said.

The story could take another twist on Monday. Senator Pedro Espada Jr., one of Monserrate's biggest supporters throughout this process, is planning on proposing a bill that would call for immediate expulsion of any member of the legislature who is convicted of an "egregious" class-a misdemeanor. If it became law, at least one other senator, Kevin Parker of Brooklyn, could lose his seat. So this could be seen as a way to put pressure on some senators to not vote for Monserrate's expulsion.