NY Sen-Elect Dem Arrested For Assault

Democratic New York Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate was arrested yesterday for hitting his girlfriend with a beer bottle. The injury reportedly lacerated the woman's face severely and required 20-40 stitches to close.

A former NYC Councilman representing Queens (yesterday was his last day), Monserrate was at one time in league with the "Gang Of Three" dissident NY Senate Democrats, although he cut a deal to support Sen. Malcolm Smith for Senate Majority Leader, reportedly in return for being named chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee.

The NYPD charged Monserrate with first-degree assault. It's unclear how this arrest may affect his taking office next month, or how it may affect the balance of power in the New York Senate.

And the nightmare in Albany rolls on.