Calls Grow for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Resign

Source: WSJ:

March 8, 2021 at 09:38

At a press conference following allegations of sexual harassment and calls from some to resign, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he apologized if he offended anyone or caused anyone pain by past actions, but he said he isn’t going to resign. Photo: Of

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says governor should step down

The Democratic leaders of the New York state Legislature questioned whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo could continue to effectively lead, as he faces further accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior and a federal probe into his administration’s handling of Covid-19 in the state’s nursing homes.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat from Yonkers, said Sunday that, “for the good of the state Governor Cuomo must resign.” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx, said, “We have many challenges to address, and I think it is time for the Governor to seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York.”

Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said during a Sunday press call before the legislators’ statements that he was “not going to resign because of allegations.” He asked people to withhold their judgment pending an independent review of the workplace accusations that will be overseen by State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat.

The governor said calls for his resignation were rooted in political concerns. He said he wouldn’t be distracted from his work overseeing coronavirus vaccinations and crafting a $193 billion state budget that is due by April 1.

Spokespeople for Mr. Cuomo didn’t immediately respond to the legislative leaders’ statements.

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