Rep. Henriquez Expelled From Mass. House

The Mass. House of Representatives has expelled state Rep. Carlos Henriquez, who is serving a six-month jail sentence after being convicted of assaulting a former girlfriend.

    The 146-5 vote came after less than two hours of debate. The expulsion takes effect immediately.

    Henriquez, a Boston Democrat, addressed the chamber prior to the vote, again declaring his innocence. He said he chose not to heed calls to resign after his conviction because ``an innocent man doesn't quit.''

    Henriquez left the chamber immediately after speaking. He was not allowed to vote.

    He's the first member to be expelled from the chamber in nearly a century.

    Lawmakers rejected by a 143-10 vote an amendment filed by Rep. Russell Holmes of Boston that would have called for the censure, but not dismissal, of Henriquez. (Associated Press)