Monserrate to run in special election under "Yes We Can" party

One can certainly argue chutzpah remains in abundance in New York politics, and former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate's decision to declare himself a candidate in next month's special election under the "Yes We Can" party proves it is alive and very much well.

The state Senate expelled the former New York City Councilmember earlier this month in response to his conviction of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend inside his Jackson Heights apartment in Dec. 2008. The Democratic establishment has rallied behind state Assemblyman José Peralta [D-Jackson Heights] ahead of the March 16 special election. And pending any unforeseen scandals and/or other developments, Peralta will succeed Monserrate in Albany.

This almost certain reality, however, has not sunken in with Monserrate.

"I am committed, as I have always been, to defend the rights of the voters and never allowing their vote to be disenfranchised," he said in a statement released on Monday, Feb. 22. "The amount of community support during the past 6 days proves that voters in this district know who best represents them independently from party bosses, political hacks, and Albany insiders."

One truly cannot make this you know what up!