Politics on the Hudson

Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, has broken away from the dissent “Gang of Four” and now may not even attend today’s meeting of the group, which had been holding out its support of Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith.

“It’s questionable,” said group spokesman Juda Engelmayer. “It’s uncertain whether he’ll be there.”

Monserrate (left) over the weekend said he’s supporting Smith and the Democratic majority after reportedly meeting with Smith in Puerto Rico.

Yet the other members of the dwindling group have planned a meeting today, with Monserrate, to not do anything until the group meets today, Sen. Ruben Diaz said in statement yesterday.

A Monserrate aide said the current New York City Councilman is attending Veterans Day events and was unsure whether he will attend the meeting, which is scheduled this afternoon in the city.
Updated: Monserrate said he did not attend today’s meeting.

“If at any time my colleagues want to meet with me on any issue, I am always available to them, but with respect to a decision on who we are supporting as majority leader, I made my decision and I’m supporting Malcolm Smith,” he said.

He said he ultimately believes that Smith will be named the next majority leader in January and after conversations with Smith, Governor Paterson and others he stands with Smith.

“The nation has spoken, the state has spoken clearly,” he said. “We are looking for a new direction in government, a Democratic direction, one that will deal with the mortgage crisis, the economic crisis that we are dealing with.”

“I believe the Democratic leadership clearly is behind Malcolm Smith. I am a Democrat, I am also supporting Malcolm Smith.”

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