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N.Y. Senate Democrats To Try Again To Force Skelos Out Of Leadership

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Democratic lawmakers in Albany will try again to oust state Senate Leader Dean Skelos, following his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Democratic Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) said Friday that Democrats have filed a motion to force a vote on the removal of Skelos (R-Rockville Centre). The vote could come as early as Monday.

Senate Democrats also tried to use a procedural move Wednesday to force a vote on removing Senate Leader Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre. Republicans blocked their motion, saying it wasn't properly submitted.

Stewart-Cousins said the new motion was filed early to ensure it gets a vote.

Skelos, 67, and his son, Adam, 32, surrendered Monday to face charges that include extortion and soliciting bribes amid a federal investigation into the awarding of a $12 million contract to a company that hired his son.

Skelos and his son have said they are innocent.

Skelos has vowed to stay on as leader while he fights the charges, and senate Republicans have said they want to keep Skelos on as their leader. But support among his fellow Republicans appears to be wavering.

The Republican conference announced Monday that it would keep Skelos as leader; since then, however at least four of 32 GOP senators have publicly called for him to step down.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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