(RepublicanNews.org) – The political winds of change tend to turn on a dime. For example, Democrats were falling over each other heaping praise on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic only a year ago. There was even talk of him running for president in 2024.
All that glee quickly faded with the news that Cuomo’s administration actually mishandled its COVID response to the extent federal investigators stepped in to review his office’s failures. Yet, somehow, the governor dodged criminal prosecution for his role in the scandal.
It didn’t take long for a new issue to emerge — one that most politicians say is destined to end his career, and possibly, his freedom, too.
The Background of the Case Against Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo
On August 3, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a report discussing her office’s findings at the conclusion of a 5-month investigation into allegations Cuomo sexually harassed or assaulted 11 former and current state employees. The 165-page document backs up the claims of all involved women. It also confirms the Democratic governor’s actions violated both state and federal law.
New York attorney general's report that found Andrew Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women deepened a stunning fall from grace for the state governor, who has gone from a national party leader to a political pariah in the span of a few months https://t.co/Z95igHKHBF pic.twitter.com/MV3FAebTEo
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) August 3, 2021
The Attorney General’s Office declined to refer the matter for prosecution. Instead, they left the decision up to local prosecutors. So far, four District Attorneys from Manhattan, Oswego, Nassau, and Westchester are currently investigating Cuomo’s conduct.
New York lawmakers already launched an impeachment investigation against the man in early March, shortly after the first accusation of misconduct against Gov. Cuomo went public. The State Assembly gave Cuomo until the end of this week (August 13 or 14) to submit any evidence for consideration through his attorney(s).
Calls Echo Throughout the Country for Cuomo to Resign
As one might expect, numerous officials, lawmakers, government executives, and civilians are calling for Cuomo’s resignation. Power Democrats, including President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), insist he must do the right thing.
Several leading Democratic governors from nearby states New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have also joined the call for Cuomo to quit.
NEWS: The Democratic governors of Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) should step down in the wake of a report on sexual harassment.https://t.co/WOlHCVNePR pic.twitter.com/TvhvP88opo
— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) August 3, 2021
Cuomo Refuses to Step Down
So far, Cuomo refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions. He doesn’t seem willing to acknowledge his allegedly colorful past, much less resign. Instead, his office released a video of him proclaiming his innocence shortly after AG James released her office’s report.
Gov. Cuomo, responding to attorney general report's accusations of sexual harassment, says "the facts are much different than what has been portrayed" and repeats denials of inappropriate touching or comments https://t.co/5hX3mAWII9 pic.twitter.com/SmdEfdrvfo
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 3, 2021
Cuomo’s website also contains a 26-page statement (plus 59 pages of exhibits) rebutting the allegations. It accuses investigators of “bias” and claims they “ignored key facts and pieces of evidence.” He believes this exonerates him.
We will keep you updated on any new developments as additional information becomes available in this breaking story.
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