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Hiram Monserrate is a former NY State Senator made infamous by his conviction last year of assaulting his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo. Monserrate sslashed her face and dragged her through an apartment lobby. After his conviction, Monserrate was was rightfully expelled by an overwhelming majority in the New York State Senate because of his actions. But Monserrate, who also bolted the Democratic Party to caucus with State Senate Republicans in 2009 and later year voted against marriage equality, refuses to vacate the Senate chambers. A special election has been called for March 16 to fill his seat and the Queens Democratic Party has chosen to run State Assembly member Jose Peralta for 13th District. Peralta's opponent is none other than Monserrate himself, who is now running as Independent.
But there is still another sick twist on this unbelievable story of insolence and preposterousness. Monserrate, in hopes that a perceived connection to President Obama will launch him back in the State Senate, is now using a modified version of the Obama "O" symbol and the "Yes We Can!/Si Se Puede!" slogan on his Web site.
As Democrats, it is imperative that we stop Hiram Monserrate in his attempt to attach himself to our President and the Democratic Party when he has worked against the party and its values in the past. It is even more important for voters to know that the Democratic Party and President Obama is in NO WAY backing an narcissistic domestic abuser for the New York State Senate.
Please do what you can to support Democrat Jose Peralta in his run for Monserrate's seat. Canvass, phone bank, donate, whatever you have the resources for. Afterward, please consider visiting Reboot NY's Web site. We are the group that began the Fire Monserrate campaign last year. Also consider becoming our fan on Facebook or or following us on Twitter. It is imperative that we get the word out to as many New Yorkers and reformers out there.
