Monserrate Stays Away, Smith Fades

Malcolm Smith just emerged from a meeting of Democratic senators at 250 Broadway and said, "The most important thing that we talked about is the lawsuit." He also said, "Our conference is very united."

When I asked if Hiram Monserrate had been there, Smith said, "No, no. He was not there."

As Smith got into a car, he ignored a reporter who asked if he was still the leader.