Prominent members of New York's congressional delegation including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Governor Cuomo to resign today, and a majority of state legislators have called on him to do the same amidst allegations of sexual assault and harassment. One democratic state Senator from Syracuse also says Cuomo needs to go.
Thursday, 55 Democratic members of the New York State Legislature wrote a letter calling on Governor Cuomo to resign. 50th district Senator John Mannion was one of them. And he says the six accusations against Governor Cuomo were too much to ignore.
"The accusations are damning. I believe that they are credible and what we're seeing is a pattern of unacceptable behavior and the accusations become more and more egregious, and that's really where I landed."
State Attorney General Letitia James is leading an investigation of the allegations against Cuomo, which include groping a woman in the executive mansion, and making unwanted advances towards staff members. But Mannion says the allegations themselves are credible enough for the governor to step down before that investigation is complete.
"The governor is afforded his due process rights and should and the investigation should proceed. But for me, these accusations are very troubling. And I find them to be a pattern and in the world of Albany in which I exist. I know people who know some of these accusers, and I will just say that, that they believe that that work environment exists."
Meanwhile, Cuomo on Friday rejected calls for his resignation saying he wouldn't bow to the pressure of cancel culture. He also repeated his position on the various charges.
“I did not do what has been alleged, period,”
But Mannion says that in the end, the state government cannot function properly amidst a culture of toxicity.
"We need strong leadership and I believe we had that from the governor's office compared to other places around this country. But we can have strong leaders without intimidation or without other workplace problems and with full transparency."
In addition to the Attorney General probe, the Assembly approved an investigation which could lead to impeachment proceedings.
STORY UPDATE: STATEMENT FROM US SENATORS GILLIBRAND AND SCHUMER:
“Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign,” Gillibrand and Schumer said in a release.