By Mark Scott
New York, NY – Leaders of the State Democratic Party are confirming what's been widely reported in recent days -- they're working to remove State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. from party membership.
State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs initiated legal proceedings yesterday that would cancel Espada's Democratic affiliation. In its complaint, Jacobs says Espada became a Democrat for "ulterior motives," including his own financial gain.
The Bronx Democrat is under investigation by the state attorney general's office for misusing funds earmarked for a health clinic he runs.
Espada, who holds the title of Senate majority leader, ran afoul of state Democrats when he briefly sided with the Republicans for control of the State Senate. Espada's office isn't commenting.
But one of his colleagues in the Senate, Ruben Diaz, described the party's action as an example of "the selective prosecution of Hispanics." Diaz says there are other Democrats who are under investigation for ethical lapses but no one is calling for their removal from the party.