Majority of Assembly Democrats support impeaching Gov. Cuomo
A majority of Democrats in the New York State legislature’s lower chamber support impeaching Gov. Andrew Cuomo after a state Attorney General probe that found the governor is a serial sexual harasser, according to a new tally.
At least 82 state Assembly members have either released public statements or told The Associated Press that, they support beginning the process of forcing out the scandal-scarred governor who now faces criminal probes in at least four counties including in Manhattan.
In the New York Constitution, elected officials are subject to removal for “misconduct or malversation in office.” The constitution also grants the state Assembly the power to impeach government officials via a vote of a simple majority, which is 76 lawmakers of the 150-member body.
One Assembly member said “not a single voice of support” was expressed in favor of Cuomo during an emergency State Assembly conference on Tuesday.
“I think all of us are reeling from the report as most of us did not expect this today,” the lawmaker told The Post. “Dozens spoke up.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-The Bronx) said Tuesday after the meeting with colleagues that it’s “abundantly clear” that Cuomo needs to leave office one way or another.
“After our conference this afternoon to discuss the Attorney General’s report concerning sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo, it is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and that he can no longer remain in office,” Heastie previously said.
“Once we receive all relevant documents and evidence from the Attorney General, we will move expeditiously and look to conclude our impeachment investigation as quickly as possible.”
Lawmakers on the other side of the aisle support ousting Cuomo, as well.
Assembly Republicans “support the impeachment of the governor and supported the call for an immediate special session,” Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay spokesman Michael Fraser told The Post Wednesday.
In addition to the political backlash ignited by Attorney General Letitia James’ report, prosecutors in New York City, Albany, Westchester, and Nassau County said Tuesday and Wednesday that they have launched their own criminal investigations into sexual harassment allegations levied against Cuomo.
“We are conducting our own separate investigation, ”Albany County District Attorney David Soares confirmed Tuesday.
“When our office learned yesterday that the Attorney General’s investigation of the Governor’s conduct was complete, our office contacted the Attorney General’s Office to begin requesting investigative materials in their possession pertaining to incidents that occurred in Manhattan,” a spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance previously said.
Only one sitting New York State governor has ever been impeached. William Sulzer, who was elected governor in 1912, was removed from office after a campaign finance scandal.
Additional reporting by Bernadette Hogan
