Faced with mounting legal pressures and demands for his departure from US President Joe Biden and others, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned on Tuesday following an inquiry that found he sexually harassed 11 women, capping a startling downfall for one of the most prominent politicians in the US.
A screengrab from the website of the New York State Government shows Governor Andrew Cuomo addressing his daily press conference on Oct. 18, 2020. (Xinhua)
A Democrat who had served since 2011 as governor of the fourth most-populous state, Cuomo made the announcement a week after New York Attorney General Letitia James released the results of a five-month independent investigation that concluded he had engaged in conduct that violated US and state laws.
In a televised, 20-minute address, Cuomo, 63, said his resignation would take effect in 14 days, derailing a long political career that once appeared headed for a possible US presidential campaign.
Cuomo again denied any wrongdoing, though he said he accepted “full responsibility” for what he characterized as ill-conceived attempts to be affectionate or humorous.
He said he had concluded that fighting the accusations while remaining in office would paralyze state government and cost taxpayers millions of dollars at a time when the coronavirus pandemic still poses a major threat.
“I think, given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government – and therefore that’s what I’ll do,” he said.
Cuomo’s resignation spared him from possible removal from office through impeachment proceedings in the Democratic-controlled state legislature, which appeared overwhelmingly likely as lawmakers abandoned him.
The investigation found that Cuomo groped, kissed or made suggestive comments to women, including current and former government workers, and retaliated against at least one woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.
Cuomo was elected governor of New York in 2010 and easily won reelection in the heavily Democratic state in 2014 and 2018 – a three-term winner like his father.
A graduate of Fordham University and Albany Law School, Cuomo served as attorney general of New York and as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the cabinet of president Bill Clinton before becoming governor.
A screengrab from the website of the New York State Government shows Governor Andrew Cuomo addressing his daily press conference on Oct. 18, 2020. (Xinhua)
