Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - Democratic New York State Senator Tim Kennedy put it this way Sunday when asked by WBEN to respond to the new allegations made against Governor Andrew Cuomo, "This is a terrible fall from grace if these allegations prove in fact to be true."
The crisis enveloping Gov. Andrew Cuomo deepened Sunday as the state’s attorney general demanded he grant her the authority to investigate claims he sexually harassed at least two women who worked for him.Democrats statewide appeared to be abandoning Cuomo in large numbers as Attorney General Letitia James rejected two proposals by the governor for an investigation of his conduct.
Under the governor's first plan, announced Saturday evening, a retired federal judge would have reviewed his workplace behavior. In the second proposal, announced Sunday morning in an attempt to appease legislative leaders, Cuomo said he had asked James and the state’s chief appeals court judge, Janet DiFiore, to jointly appoint a lawyer to investigate the claims and issue a public report.
But James said that plan didn’t go far enough, either.
“I do not accept the governor’s proposal,” she said. “The state’s Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted.”
The plan for James and DiFiore, who was appointed to her position by Cuomo, to choose an investigator jointly, also met a cascade of criticism from fellow Democrats who called for him to relinquish all control of the investigation to James.
Under state law, the state attorney general needs a referral from the governor in order to investigate his conduct.
Sen. Kennedy made it clear Sunday that only a truly independent investigation in which Cuomo would have no say in the final outcome would be agreeable to lawmakers. "We’re calling for an immediate investigation and accountability as soon as possible depending on what facts come out."
"It is beyond disturbing and upsetting," Kennedy said and he indicated lawmakers would be discussing in detail beginning Monday.
Numerous political leaders from both sides of the political aisle are speaking out about the allegations and repeating the calls for the accusers voices to be heard and a fully independent investigation to be initiated.
"I agree that and independent investigation of these allegations should take place," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told WBEN's Hardline program Sunday.
Senate minority leader Robert Ortt, in a statement Sunday, said he is gravely concerned about the governor's actions regarding nursing homes in addition to these new allegations made by two women.
"The Governor has repeatedly broken the public’s trust, he has demonstrated toxic leadership qualities, and he is irreparably compromised in his dealings with his co-equal partners in the Legislature. For these reasons, I believe Governor Cuomo must resign."
Senate Majority leader Andrea Stewart-Counsins stated, “The continued allegations are deeply disturbing and concerning. The behavior described has no place in the workplace. A truly independent investigation must begin immediately.”
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul too has released a statement on the new allegations, saying, "Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and taken seriously. I support an independent review."
Related
The crisis now enveloping Cuomo's office developed rapidly after a second woman on Saturday went public with a story about being harassed by the governor in the workplace.
Charlotte Bennett, a low-level aide in the governor’s administration until November, told The New York Times that Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men.
Her accusation came days after another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, elaborated on harassment allegations she first made in December. Boylan said Cuomo subjected her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments.
Cuomo said in a statement Saturday he had intended to be a mentor for Bennett, who is 25. He has denied Boylan's allegations.