Democrats Try To Oust Skelos After Federal Charges

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Democrats in the New York state Senate will try to oust the chamber's Republican leader following his arrest on federal corruption charges.

The lawmakers say they will use a procedural move Wednesday to force a vote on removing Senate Leader Dean Skelos of Long Island.

Skelos faces charges that he traded his influence for more than $200,000 in payments from a real estate firm and an environmental technology business to his son Adam Skelos, who is also charged in the case. Skelos and his son have said they are innocent.

The effort to oust Skelos will probably fail, as Republicans hold the majority in the Senate.

Senate Republicans have said they want to keep Skelos on as their leader, though there are signs that support may be wavering.