Facing Expulsion, Hill Resigns Seat in Senate : Legislature: The Whittier Republican, convicted of corruption, leaves office Friday. Gov. Wilson is expected to call a special election to replace him.

Facing expulsion by his colleagues after his conviction on corruption charges, state Sen. Frank Hill (R-Whittier) on Tuesday resigned his office effective Friday.

In a one-sentence letter, the veteran lawmaker said: “I hereby submit my resignation as senator for the Twenty-Ninth Senate District to become effective July 8, 1994.”

On June 16, Hill, 40, was convicted of extortion, money laundering and conspiracy stemming from his acceptance of a $2,500 check from an undercover FBI agent posing as a Southern businessman seeking a legislative favor.

Hill refused to resign, but the Senate was reluctant to move swiftly to oust a well-liked colleague. He continued to collect his $52,500-a-year salary plus a tax-free living allowance as his supporters urged that he be allowed to remain in office at least until his Sept. 12 sentencing.

But last week the Senate Rules Committee voted 4-0 to oust Hill and scheduled a full Senate vote for later this week. The last time a senator was expelled was in 1905, when four members caught up in a political scandal were thrown out.

State Sen. Ruben S. Ayala (D-Chino), a Rules Committee member, said pressure was building from constituents to oust Hill. He said voters have accused senators of “coddling one of your own. As far as they are concerned, Hill is a convicted felon. Why keep him on the payroll.”

Hill last week seemed to tip his hand, distributing to his Senate colleagues a flyer listing his Sacramento area condominium for sale. “Must sell or will list with realtor soon,” the flyer said.

Hill’s resignation will clear the way for Gov. Pete Wilson to call a special election for the San Gabriel Valley to run concurrently with the Nov. 8 regular statewide election. A Wilson spokesman said a decision is expected soon.

Combining the special election could save taxpayers about $1 million, legislative election consultants estimate. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff election would be scheduled.

Two Assembly Republicans, Paul Horcher of Diamond Bar and Richard Mountjoy of Arcadia, are considering whether to run for Hill’s safe GOP seat.

Hill’s letter arrived at the close of business Tuesday. Karin Caves, press secretary to Senate Democratic leader Bill Lockyer of Hayward said, “Sen. Hill did the right thing.”