LI Lawmakers Call For Cuomo To Resign After AG Releases Report

MINEOLA, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is losing support within his own party after a damning report was released by state Attorney General Letitia James.

Her report claims Cuomo violated federal and state laws by his behavior.

Within minutes, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat, demanded Cuomo step down, tweeting this succinct statement, "The Attorney General's findings are clear. The Governor must resign immediately."

Cuomo, though, shortly after James' news conference denied any wrongdoing and refused to leave office.

James said Cuomo sexually harassment at 11 women and retaliated against a former staffer. Her 165-page report painted a picture of a "toxic workplace," James said at a Tuesday news conference.

State senator Todd Kaminsky, who is running for Nassau district attorney, also said the time has come for the governor to exit.

"On March 12 I said that Governor Cuomo should step aside. Now we know that he must step aside or be removed. These damning findings from Attorney General James, who has done a great job, show quite clearly that the governor must resign—and if he will not, that he should be impeached."

Curran and Kaminsky's office did not have any additional comment following Cuomo's refusal to step down.

Republican Anne Donnelly, who is opposing Kaminsky for Nassau D.A., demanded more than Cuomo's ouster in a statement:

"The Governor must immediately resign based upon the findings contained in the report that the Attorney General of New York State that was released today. It is also my opinion as a career prosecutor, that justice requires the Governor’s prosecution for his actions."

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY), who previously announced a bid for governor, also wants Cuomo to step down.

“Andrew Cuomo must resign or be impeached. Cuomo institutionalized widespread abuse within his administration and tried to silence his many victims, which enabled him to continue openly preying on those around him."

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY) followed the hardened reaction by Cuomo said, "The Governor’s response further corroborates what the Attorney General and independent investigators found—he encourages and perpetuates a hostile work environment, where victim-blaming and gaslighting are commonplace. The whole Executive Chamber needs to be cleaned out."

Rice had previously joined others in the New York congressional delegation based on the "deeply disturbing" report by the attorney general and call for the governor to resign or "The New York State Assembly must begin impeachment proceedings."

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) released a statement along with Rep. Gregory Meeks and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries:

"We commend the brave women who came forward and spoke truth to power. The time has come for Governor Andrew Cuomo to do the right thing for the people of New York State and resign."

State senator John Brooks, (D-Seaford) said in a statement, "I applaud Attorney General James for the diligent investigative effort she and her team made in the face of fierce opposition, I respect the courage and determination of these 11 women for coming forward, and I am calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign by the end of the day."

Another Long Island Democrat, Senator Anna Kaplan, follows along with many of her colleagues in Albany, saying that the report by James, "leaves absolutely no room for [him] to continue to lead our state."

Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R-Merrick) said the report detailed a "disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, intimidation, and fear stemming from the governor and the executive chamber. The governor has no choice but to resign, or the Assembly will step in and do it for him."

In Suffolk County, Assemblyman Keith Brown (R- Northport) added his voice condemning Cuomo's actions.

"As a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, I expect these revelations to be discussed thoroughly at the next scheduled committee meeting on August 9. The evidence of Gov. Cuomo's cruel, abusive behavior is overwhelming and disgusting and his inability to enforce state policies and safeguards that he helped create is astounding. This information clearly shows that the governor is unfit for office. If he doesn't resign immediately, we must move forward with his impeachment immediately. No one is above the law!"

Cuomo was interviewed by James' office two weeks ago. In March, Cuomo said "I never harassed anyone. I never assaulted anyone. I never abused anyone. I’m not going to resign."

My statement on the independent investigation into the alleged sexual harassment claims against Governor Cuomo: pic.twitter.com/DfBC0xaI37
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 3, 2021