Biden joins barrage of new calls for Cuomo to resign

Tish James, the state attorney general, conducted an investigation that found Gov. Andrew Cuomo sex harassed 11 women. Biden joins the chorus of calls for Cuomo's resignationPresident Joe Biden called for New York Governor. Andrew Cuomo must resign Tuesday after a damning report by the state attorney generals found that he sexually harassed multiple female employees.Biden stated that he believes he should resign, confirming the position he had taken in spring, when allegations against the Democratic governor were made. "I understand that the state Legislature might decide to impeach. "I don't know for a fact that this is possible."Biden stated that he hadn't yet read James' report."I said that if the attorney General concludes that the allegations were correct in March, then I would recommend that he resign. "That's what I am doing today," the president stated. "I have not read the report. It is not clear to me what the details are. The end result is all I know."Biden's comments were part of a flood of calls for Cuomos to resign or be impeached that erupted Tuesday following the publication of the report. Tish James, the state attorney general, conducted an investigation that found Cuomo had sexually harassed eleven women. This included an executive assistant whose breasts were groped as well as a trooper who touched Cuomo inappropriately. The governor violated both federal and state laws, according to the report.Shortly after Biden's comments, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie released a statement stating that he was ready to speed up the investigation into Cuomo.Heastie stated in a statement that "it is abundantly clear that the Governor has lost confidence in the Assembly Democratic Majority and that he cannot continue in office." "Once we have all the evidence and documents from the Attorney General, our investigation into impeachment will be completed as soon as possible.Many of those who had stated months ago that they would not judge until the report was published joined the ranks of those calling for Cuomo to be removed.Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Greg Meeks, along with Tom Suozzi, are among those who have not called for Cuomo's resignation.Tish James, the office of Attorney General, conducted an extensive, professional and thorough investigation into the troubling allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. In a joint statement, the Democratic members of Congress stated that the investigation found that Governor Andrew Cuomo engaged in abusive behavior towards women, including subordinates.We salute the courageous women who spoke out and gave their truth to power. They said that Governor Andrew Cuomo should resign to do right for New York State's people.Christine Quinn, ex-Council Speaker, joined the call for Cuomo's resignation, saying that she was "deeply saddened" and "disappointed" by the findings.Cuomo's environmental commissioner tweeted Tuesday, stating that the governor's actions were unacceptable. However, he did not call for his resignation.Basil Seggos stated that "all of this behavior was outrageous and unacceptable and unworthy of a public official" or any other person. "I am in awe at the strength of these ladies. Enough.Even the Lt. Governor. Kathy Hochul, who would assume the role of governor if Cuomo is removed before his term ends, criticized Cuomo's behavior.An investigation by the Attorney General has revealed that Governor Haskell had committed a series of egregious and illegal acts towards several women. These brave women are my inspiration and I admire their courage to speak up. She stated that no one is above the law." "Under the New York Constitution the Assembly will now decide the next steps.She declined to comment on the impeachment proceedings of the Assembly at the moment, citing that her position was first in the succession line.Mayor Bill de Blasio has called previously for Cuomo's resignation. On Tuesday, he backed the governor's impeachment immediately. If Cuomo doesn't resign, twelve members of Congress will do the same.Andrew Cuomo cannot continue to serve as Governor and is clearly unfit for office. De Blasio stated that he must immediately resign and should not continue to attack investigators who performed their duties.Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President, was the probable next mayor of New York. He appeared with Cuomo last month at a joint press conference and also called for Cuomo's impeachment, something that he has not yet called for until Tuesday.Adams stated in a statement that Attorney General James had conducted an extensive and thorough investigation which yielded disturbing results about Governor Cuomo's conduct. "It is now the responsibility of the New York State Assembly that we take prompt and appropriate action and proceed with impeachment proceedings in the event that Governor Cuomo does not resign."Many long-standing critics of Cuomo were compelled to renew their call for his removal from office if Cuomo refuses to resign.Many instances of serious misconduct were substantiated by the Attorney General's thorough and detailed report. Andrew Cuomo was convicted of sexual assault and harassment and intimidated whistleblowers. De Blasio stated that it is disqualifying.Cuomo refuted many of the report's findings. He said he never touched any person inappropriately, and specifically denied the allegations made by an aide that he had groped her at the executive mansion.Cuomo was confronted by a host of calls from top Democrats in the state for his resignation, but he refused to resign.Sens. Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and again called for him quit.New York State Attorney General conducted an independent, thorough, and professional investigation. It found that the Governor had violated federal and state law, had a pattern in sexually harassing current or former employees, retaliated to at least one accuser, and created a hostile working environment.No elected official should be above the law. New Yorkers deserve better leadership from the governor's office. We believe the Governor should resign.Rep. Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney, Nydia Velzquez, Ritchie Torres (Yvette Clarke), Kathleen Rice, Grace Meng and Jamaal Bowman issued a joint statement stating that Cuomo should be impeached if he does not resign.The House members stated that it was clear that he engaged inappropriate, illegal, and abusive behavior.The report of the Attorney General is disturbing, detailed and clear. Andrew Cuomo should resign for the good of New York State. They added that if he doesn't, the New York State Assembly should begin impeachment proceedings."Cuomos' 2013 statement calling for Vito Lopez to resign over allegations of sexual misconduct was cited by the group, stating that there should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment. The members of Congress agreed.Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senate Majority Leader, reiterated her call to Cuomos' resignation. She said that the Governor should resign as a result of these troubling allegations. It should be obvious to all that he cannot continue as Governor now that the investigation has been completed and the allegations are proven.This report was contributed by Bill Mahoney.