Embattled NY Senate Leader Could Face Ouster Vote

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The leader of the New York state Senate could face a vote seeking his ouster if he refuses to step aside following his arrest last week on federal corruption charges.

Senate Leader Dean Skelos has so far rejected calls to resign from Democrats and a growing number of members from his own Republican Party.

Senate Democrats plan to force a vote on removing Skelos as early as Monday afternoon.

Two Senate Republicans — John DeFrancisco of Syracuse and John Flanagan of Long Island — are vying to succeed Skelos as leader.

The Long Island lawmaker was charged last week with using his position and influence to arrange payments to his son, Adam, from a real estate firm and an environmental technology business.

Skelos and his son say they are innocent.