ALBANY, N.Y. — Democrats in New York’s state Assembly are debating whether to call for the ouster of their longtime leader, Speaker Sheldon Silver, following federal corruption charges.

The lawmakers plan to continue closed-door talks Jan. 27 on whether they want to retain Silver as their leader. Lawmakers left the Capitol late Jan. 26 after several hours of deliberations.

An increasing number of lawmakers say Silver must step down, but so far the Manhattan Democrat has fought to keep the positon he has held for 21 years.

Silver was arrested Jan. 22nd and faces charges that he took nearly $4 million in payoffs and kickbacks.

Silver said Jan. 26 he expects to be exonerated. He has offered to temporarily cede power to top lawmakers to give him time to fight the charges.