National Organization for Women-NYS Denounces Republican's "Travesty of Ethics"

ALBANY, NY (06/11/2009)(readMedia)-- Apparently the wrath of the National Organization For Women-New York State and like-minded activists has driven indicted New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate (D) into the welcoming arms of the NYS Republican Party.

In an astonishing turn off events, the NYS Republicans have embraced the often-fined Senator Pedro Espada Jr. (D) and the even-more suspect Senator Monserrate, who actually faces charges for assaulting his girlfriend. (He allegedly cut her face with glass, necessitating twenty stitches.)

"What message do the Republicans send with this travesty of ethics?" asks NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas. "Indeed, the NYS Democratic leaders attempted appropriate action against Senator Monserrate by insisting that, upon the occasion of his indictment, he step down from his position of Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee." This followed calls from around the State and the NYS Legislature from women expressing concerns and profound offense at being expected to work with someone under indictment for wanton violence against a woman."

Pappas concluded: "NOW NYS believes that the Senate Republicans have made a grave political mistake by courting a man who has clearly shown little regard for women's lives."