EDITORIAL: Oust Espada from state Senate leadership

In just 31 days last year, Pedro Espada betrayed both Republicans and Democrats in the State Senate by twice selling his vote in exchange for a leadership role and more spending money. That's a stain on both parties that is not easily cleansed, but Democrats can start by removing the scandal-scarred Bronx legislator as their majority leader.

Espada's past dubious dealings and disregard for election laws never got him in serious trouble, but the one-two punch this week by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and the U.S. Justice Department might finally set him on his heels. On Tuesday, Cuomo filed a civil lawsuit to wipe out the family- and-friends board of the nonprofit Soundview Health Center, founded and run by Espada, for violating its duties. Yesterday, the FBI executed search warrants at the center to gather evidence for a joint state-federal criminal probe.

The civil complaint alleges that the senator used Soundview to fund his political operation, campaigns and lavish lifestyle. The board of Soundview, which is funded almost exclusively by Medicare and Medicaid, even gave Espada a $9-million severance contract, payable even if he were fired for cause.

Espada dismissed the lawsuit as "political payback," but for the rest of the state it makes a compelling case for ethics reform. Yet his fellow senators were quiet - especially Democrats, who fear losing his vote and their majority. They leave the self-dealing Espada in power at their own peril.hN