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Governor Cuomo's Hold on Job Grows Tenuous Amid Latest Allegations, Investigations & Criticism

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(STORY UPDATE 3/11/21 at 6:18)

The top Democrat in the State Assembly has decided to launch an 'impeachment investigation' into Governor Cuomo.  Carl Heastie says the Assembly Judiciary will lead the investigation.  He added this probe will not interfere wiht an investigation launched by the state Attorney General.  The assembly action will be led by Long Island Democratic Assemblyman Chuck Lavine.

(Posted 3/11/21 at 4:30)

One day after a report that Governor Andrew Cuomo “aggressively groped” a female aide when she was summoned to the executive mansion, more state lawmakers are putting pressure on  the governor to resign, or to at least step aside while the charges are investigated. The incident has been referred to the Albany Police department, according to the New York Times.

The report, in the Albany Times Union, says the unidentified woman alleges that Cuomo, late last year, asked her to his private residence in the mansion to help him fix his smart phone. According the paper, the woman says the governor closed the door and allegedly reached under her blouse and began to inappropriately touch her.

The governor’s counsel reported the incident to the Albany Police department, after the alleged victim declined to do so.

Five other women also say the governor either sexually harassed them or inappropriately touched them, in other encounters.   

Thursday speculation grew over possible calls from the Democrat-controlled State Assembly for an investigation, in addition to the one already launched by the State's Attorney General.  Measures to start impeachment proceedings have also been proposed.  

Cuomo denies that he ever touched anyone inappropriately, and has asked for everyone to withhold judgement until the investigation   conducted by Attorney General Letitia James is completed.   

But the new allegations spurred 59 Democrats in the legislature write a letter asking for the governor’s immediate resignation.

Freshman Democrat John Mannion , of Syracuse, who signed the letter says the accusations, if true,  form a disturbing pattern of behavior.

“This pattern is predatory,” Mannion said. “And it is distracting.”

He says it’s no longer OK to wait until the Attorney General finishes her probe. He says in addition to the sexual harassment charges, the governor and his aides are also under federal investigation for potentially covering up nursing home death numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Right now, where we are, is very troubling,” Mannion said.