ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A New York state senator expelled by his colleagues for a misdemeanor assault conviction is gathering petition signatures for an attempt to return to office in a special election next month.

With the Senate due back in session Monday for the first time since voting 53-8 to expel Sen. Hiram Monserrate two weeks ago, the Queens Democrat faces a midnight deadline to file. Party officials are backing Assemblyman Jose Peralta in the heavily Democratic district.

Spokesman Mike Nieves says Monserrate is visiting a seniors center in Queens and is expected to file the petition later in the day.

Monserrate sued in federal court to contest the Senate's right to oust him. But a judge declined Friday to block the expulsion and the March 16 special election.

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