New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) speaks at a news conference at the Capitol on June 8, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. Since March, the state Assembly's Judiciary Committee is investigating impeachment. Hans Pennink/AP Photo New York Democrats plan to impeach CuomoALBANY, N.Y. New York's Democratic majority is poised to impeach Governor Andrew Cuomo. Andrew Cuomo will resign if he doesn't. This would be a rapid decline in their relationship after Tuesday's shocking allegation that Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women.This was evident after an emergency meeting of legislators Tuesday afternoon. It came after Tish James, the state attorney general, published a damning report detailing multiple instances of sexual harassment committed by the governor. Since March, the state Assembly's Judiciary Committee is investigating impeachment.In a statement, Speaker Carl Heastie stated that it was clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the trust of the Assembly Democratic Majority and cannot continue in office after our conference to discuss the report by the Attorney General regarding sexual harassment allegations against him. We will quickly move to close our impeachment investigation once we have all the evidence and documents from the Attorney General.Many people are available, stated Linda Rosenthal (D–Manhattan), Assemblymember. This process will end and you'll then see the Assembly vote on articles of impeachment.The Judiciary Committee will meet Monday to discuss next steps in the impeachment investigation.Nearly half of the 107-member Democratic conference called for Cuomo's resignation in March. However, only a few supported the disruptive act of holding an impeachment immediately. Dramatically, that changed on Tuesday with many members saying they were willing to immediately vote to end the governors' tenure.It is important to remember that the report outlines a pattern of behavior, which can mean it can happen every single day. Assemblymember Nily Rozic, D-Queens, who called for Cuomo’s resignation in spring, and now supports impeachment, stated that it is important to remain focused on this fact. It is dangerous for that behavior to continue in the governor's office. Therefore, the Assembly must act quickly.Assemblymember Jon Rivera (D–Buffalo) stated that there is great concern about his ability to lead and not execute retribution against these employees, and any other people who may not yet have come out.It remains to be seen how expeditious this might be. Also, the Assembly was examining issues like the governor's handling of nursing home residents during the pandemic or the speedy construction of a bridge. There seems to have been some interest in wrapping up these probes before moving on. It is clear that the majority of conference members don't want to wait.Assemblymember Kenny Burgos (D -Bronx) stated that he doesn't think New Yorkers, or anyone else in this political process would be happy if it was dragged out. I find it a very damning report and am ready to vote for it.To impeach Cuomo, it will require 76 votes. This move would be supported by the 43-member Republican conference unanimously.
