The NY State Senate voted 53-8 to expel Democrat Hiram Monserrate over a variety of issues relating to his attack on his girlfriend.

Since the NY Constitution does not give the legislature the power to expel (state law does) he is going to file an appeal in the courts so this will likely drag out for some time.

That could be an issue as the Democrats have a narrow majority and in theory if he is appealing his removal they cannot hold a special election to fill his seat.