State Senate leader won’t expel Wright unless conviction is finalized
State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg said Thursday that he will not seek expulsion of state Sen. Roderick Wright until an appeal is decided that finalizes the felony convictions.
Steinberg said in the interim he will honor Wright’s request to remove him as chairman of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee.
The announcement came two days after a Los Angeles jury found Wright guilty of eight felony counts including voter fraud and perjury. Prosecutors said he lied when he said he lived in his Senate district when he was elected.
“He is not convicted until the court considers whether or not the jury verdict was valid and if [the judge] determines it was, imposes a sentence,” Steinberg said.
He said he would be prepared to act if the initial appeal is denied and an appellate court does not stay the sentence pending further appeals.
Steinberg briefed the Senate Democratic Caucus behind closed doors before announcing his recommendation.
“Unless and until there is a final conviction for a felony I do not believe it is appropriate or necessary to expel Sen. Wright or ask him to resign,” Steinberg told reporters afterward.
ALSO:
State Sen. Roderick Wright found guilty of perjury, voter fraud
Republican leader calls for Sen. Wright to resign
Rep. Henry Waxman to retire from Congress
Twitter: @mcgreevy99
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