Democrat Assembly Speaker Pushes Impeachment Investigation To Begin Against Cuomo
Democrat Speaker Carl Heastie has decided to authorize the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation to look into the allegations of misconduct against New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assembly member Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation,” according to Heastie on the news release.
“This inquiry will not interfere with the independent investigation being conducted by Attorney General James,” Heastie wrote.
Fox News reported, “Albany police said Thursday they received a report from the New York State Executive Chamber, which is the governor’s office, involving an incident with potential criminal activity. The incident allegedly involved a female aide and took place at Cuomo’s executive mansion. The news came just after the Albany Times Union reported on an allegation that Cuomo groped a female aide last year.
Cuomo has been on a roll with the numerous allegations of sexual harassment of unwanted touching and Cuomo has addressed the many accusations but he excused them as misunderstandings and no admission to committing to the unwanted physical contact with accusers.
Fox News called out CNN because it ‘continues @NYGovCuomo blackout after sixth accuser reportedly claims she was groped by the governor.’
CNN continues @NYGovCuomo blackout after sixth accuser reportedly claims she was groped by governor https://t.co/gII3nqyab3
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 11, 2021
On Wednesday, Cuomo’s 6th accuser and “a member of his Executive Chamber staff alleged he reached under her blouse and ‘aggressively’ fondled her after luring her to his private residence in the governor’s mansion,” Breitbart reported.
Lawmakers Call For Cuomo’s Resignation
“At least 121 members of the state Assembly and Senate have said publicly they believe Cuomo can no longer govern and should quit office now, according to a tally by The Associated Press. The count includes 65 Democrats and 56 Republicans,” Fox News found.
NEW: NYS Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs on the most recent allegations against @NYGovCuomo:
"I agree with Speaker Heastie that now is the time for the Legislature to commence its own review of these matters as a part of its Constitutional responsibilities." pic.twitter.com/BQerX8YZD6
— Morgan Mckay (@morganfmckay) March 11, 2021
Two GOP state Sens. Tom O’Mara and Joseph Griffo both responded on the Democrats move to investigate Cuomo.
“This is a late, duplicitous and timid effort at providing political cover and is unacceptable. The Assembly should be using a judicial committee to consider and initiate impeachment proceedings based upon the Governor’s invitation to do so,” Griffo wrote to Twitter.
This is a late, duplicitous and timid effort at providing political cover and is unacceptable. The Assembly should be using a judicial committee to consider and initiate impeachment proceedings based upon the Governor’s invitation to do so. https://t.co/S89biyLBe9
— Joseph A. Griffo (@SenGriffo) March 11, 2021
“Now the Assembly leadership and the Dem state committee chairman are circling the wagons to buy more time for Cuomo. An Impeachment investigation is the more appropriate course and can encompass all aspects of Sexual harassment, nursing home Cover-Up and Intimidation allegations,” O’Mara responded via Twitter.
Now the Assembly leadership and the Dem state committee chairman are circling the wagons to buy more time for Cuomo. An Impeachment investigation is the more appropriate course and can encompass all aspects of Sexual harassment, nursing home Cover-Up and Intimidation allegations https://t.co/HGIYhiq4jM
— Tom O'Mara (@SenatorOMara) March 11, 2021