State Senate leader close to recommending action on Roderick Wright

SACRAMENTO -- The leader of the state Senate said Wednesday he will make a recommendation in “the next couple of days” about whether to seek sanctions or expulsion against state Sen. Roderick Wright (D-Inglewood) after a jury convicted Wright of eight felony counts of perjury and voter fraud.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) said he plans to consult with members of the Senate Democratic Caucus during a closed-door meeting on Thursday before announcing his recommendations.

Steinberg said he talked to Wright on Tuesday, but he would not disclose what was discussed.

“I’m going to talk to him again today and I’m going to consult with my caucus tomorrow before I make any recommendations,” Steinberg told The Times. “I’m going to make a full set of recommendations within the next couple of days.”

Steinberg on Wednesday made several changes in committee assignments, but none involving Wright.

Steinberg had previously stripped state Sen. Ronald S. Calderon of all committee assignments when allegations of bribery emerged, but Calderon has not been charged with a crime.

Asked whether Wright might be removed from committees, Steinberg indicated that the issue would be addressed in his recommendations.

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