RICHMOND, VA --Delegate Joe Morrissey was given an icy reception Wednesday, and it had nothing to do with the weather.
The Henrico delegate, who made history Tuesday when he was re-elected to the seat that he resigned from following a misdemeanor conviction, was sworn in during a quiet ceremony in his office with House Clerk G. Paul Nardo.
That is a departure from tradition where delegates are usually sworn in on the House floor.
Morrissey told CBS 6 reporter Joe St. George that the voters have spoken.
"I think they made a pretty emphatic statement yesterday," Morrissey said.
On the House floor, Morrissey was greeted by only one delegate who shook his hand
Morrissey, a former Democratic delegate running as an Independent, has been abandoned by both parties.
Leadership within both caucuses are currently reviewing plans to possibly expel Morrissey something that has not been done since the 1800's.
"I believe Joe Morrissey should be expelled," Republican Delegate Steve Landes said.
A two-third vote of the General Assembly is needed for expulsion.
Some delegates however fear expulsion could create a distraction. Morrissey could sue or even run again for election. Instead, some are saying perks should be taken away.
Morrissey's office has already been downsized to a space next to an electrical room. His seat on the House floor has been moved to the corner.
"We don't want to help feed the machine," Democratic delegate Mark Sickles said.
No action against Morrissey was expected Wednesday.
Morrissey is currently serving a work release sentence that traditionally has him back in jail by 8 p.m., but Henrico Sheriff Mike Wade said that Morrissey is allowed to stay for Wednesday's State of the Commonwealth, but must report back to jail immediately after it.
Morrissey told reporters he has not made a decision whether he will run in any more elections.
"I am going to take it each battle one at a time," Morrissey said.
