News : POLITICO New York Playbook: Cuomo resigns — Hochul to take office — Albany toasts gov’s collapse and worries about his ghosts

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

POLITICO New York Playbook: Cuomo resigns — Hochul to take office — Albany toasts gov’s collapse and worries about his ghosts

Aug 11, 2021

By Erin Durkin, Anna Gronewold and Téa Kvetenadze

It actually happened: Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned his office, stepping down in the face of a sexual harassment scandal and likely impeachment. His resignation, announced a week after an attorney general's investigation found he sexually harassed 11 women and violated state and federal law, will take effect in 14 days.

Cuomo was unpredictable to the end, leaving everyone save a few senior aides guessing until minutes before the announcement. He delivered his bombshell address only after mounting a lengthy defense of his behavior toward the women, which itself followed a speech from his lawyer picking apart what she called an unfair report. The governor, whose decade in office has been marked by an aggressive approach now being described as toxic and abusive, acknowledged his every instinct was telling him to fight on. But then the pivot: the fight would come to an end.

"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing," Cuomo said. "And therefore, that's what I'll do."

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is primed to take office, tasked with the enormous job of leading New York out of the pandemic and set to make history in more ways than one. Not only is Cuomo's replacement not a part of his inner circle, but she hadn't spoken to Cuomo since February, sources close to her say.

Among the questions that remain are whether the Assembly will continue its impeachment probe (Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine did not address that question in his statement welcoming Cuomo's resignation). Criminal investigations also still loom. Then there will be a wide open governor's race next year — brush up with our cheat sheet on potential contenders , and expect brand new names to be thrown into the post-resignation shuffle.

But first up with an Albany press conference this afternoon: Governor-to-be Kathy Hochul, the state's first woman to hold the job, in the Blue Room.

IT'S WEDNESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE'S ANDREW? In Albany with no public events scheduled.

WHERE'S KATHY? In Albany, addressing New York at 2 p.m.

WHERE'S BILL? In Massachusetts with no public events scheduled.

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WHAT ALBANY'S READING

'The king is dead': Albany toasts Cuomo's collapse — and worries about his ghosts, by POLITICO's Bill Mahoney: Albany doesn't have Andrew Cuomo to kick around anymore. But it could take years to expel his loyalists — and move on from his alleged misdeeds. Denizens of the New York State Capitol celebrated on Tuesday afternoon, with longtime foes of the soon to be former governor drinking champagne and pondering a future without Cuomo at the top. There was widespread praise for incoming Gov. Kathy Hochul, with many expressing an eagerness to move past the distractions of the past six months. "The king is dead; long live the queen," state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a fellow Democrat who was often the target of seemingly random attacks from Cuomo, said in an interview Tuesday. "Everybody's ready to move forward and not get bogged down in the muck and mire of the present."

Still, transitioning out of the Cuomo era will not be an easy task. Cuomo, after nearly three fiery terms at the helm, has tentacles that stretch into every corner of state government. Cleaning house would be a difficult task for any incoming governor — let alone one who can only promise potential replacements some 15 months of employment. And it's all but guaranteed that the various investigations into Cuomo will drag on for months or even years, occasionally drowning out whichever issues Hochul might want to focus on.

Cuomo quit even as aides and allies braced for battle, by POLITICO's Anna Gronewold: On July 14, Andrew Cuomo's ethics officer sent an email to two dozen staff who had signaled an interest in working on the New York governor's 2022 reelection. "At the outset I want to stress that there is absolutely no obligation for you to volunteer, any volunteering is 100 percent your choice, and there are no consequences - positive or negative - for volunteering or not volunteering," read the email, obtained by POLITICO from Julia Pinover Kupiec — Cuomo's special counsel and ethics officer. The subtext was clear: Cuomo's campaign could not suffer additional allegations of misusing state resources for personal gain. Kupiec offered two training sessions for how, when the time came, aides could "keep any and all volunteer work strictly away from state business." One of those happened July 26. Two weeks later, the dream of an elusive fourth term is all but dead with Cuomo's resignation announcement Tuesday. It was a rapid decision, announced in a live video, that took nearly everyone — except for a few senior aides who were told Monday — by surprise.

— A LOOK BACK AT CUOMO's four-decade political career.

— AND A TIMELINE of his downfall.

Kathy Hochul: New York's next governor, by POLITICO's Marie J. French and Bill Mahoney: New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul spent the afternoon of Aug. 11, 2020 welcoming the Toronto Blue Jays to play in Buffalo where they were stranded by the pandemic. A year later, she's poised to become New York's first female governor. With Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announcing his resignation effective in two weeks, Hochul will soon become the second recent lieutenant governor to assume the state's top post after accusations of an incumbent's sexual misdeeds. (Eliot Spitzer quit in 2008 after reports that he was a client of a prostitution ring.) Hochul will hold the position for the remainder of Cuomo's third term, which expires at the end of next year.

"Sheriff: Cuomo resignation doesn't end groping investigation," by Times Union's Steve Hughes: "Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's decision to resign would not impact the criminal investigation into executive assistant Brittany Commisso's allegation Cuomo groped her at the Executive Mansion last year, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said Tuesday afternoon. 'It was never about his office although I appreciate him putting the people of New York first and stepping aside,' Apple said. Apple said he met with District Attorney David Soares on the investigation earlier in the day and expected they would be meeting almost daily in the coming weeks. Commisso said Cuomo groped her breast at the Executive Mansion."

"Cuomo accusers rejoice over governor's resignation: 'Vindicated and relieved,'" by New York Daily News' Chris Sommerfeldt: "Gov. Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday after he announced that he will resign rather than drag New York's political apparatus through a protracted impeachment battle. Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo adviser who became the first woman to publicly accuse him of sexual misconduct late last year, expressed gratitude to state Attorney General Letitia James' team of investigators in light of the governor's resignation announcement. 'I am thankful for the attorney general, the investigators and all those who have pursued the truth despite intimidation and threats of retaliation,' Boylan wrote on Twitter."

— The internet is having a little bit of fun ("Who Said It: Cuomo or Your Ex?") despite the circumstances ("New York Gets First Woman Governor in Most American Way Possible")

— " What to Do With All Those 'Cuomosexual' Tees?" by The New York Times' Ashley Wong

#UpstateAmerica: Too pure for this world. Go buy some cucumbers from a Lockport 7-year-old who grew way too many even though they make her hands itchy.

WHAT CITY HALL'S READING

"De Blasio cheers rival Cuomo's resignation as 'for the good of all New York,'" by New York Post's Julia Marsh: "Mayor Bill de Blasio interrupted his summer vacation to cheer the resignation of his longtime rival Gov. Andrew Cuomo over allegations of rampant sexual harassment from at least 11 women. 'Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories,' de Blasio said in a statement from Massachusetts, where he's taking time off to be with family. 'It was past time for Andrew Cuomo to resign and it's for the good of all New York,' Hizzoner added."

" Eric Adams says Cuomo quitting 'necessary' for NY to move forward," by New York Post's Julia Marsh: "Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams said Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to step down while battling sexual harassment claims was imperative for state government to continue handling COVID-19 and other pressing matters. 'The governor's resignation was necessary for New York State to move forward and continue the critical work of our recovery,' Adams said in a statement Tuesday."

"Cuomo's departure leads Port Authority staffers to demand agency halt his LaGuardia AirTrain plan," by New York Daily News' Clayton Guse: "Gov. Cuomo's resignation led to an outcry among Port Authority staffers who want the agency's top officials to halt his controversial proposal to build an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport. 'For too long, Gov. Cuomo and his staff have repeatedly pushed the agency to make non-transparent, politically motivated decisions, including decisions that squander the trust and money of our bondholders, customers, and the general public,' said a letter sent to Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton on Tuesday by dozens of staffers... The letter was sent less than six hours after Cuomo announced he would leave office in two weeks amid a sexual harassment scandal."

— "Many of Cuomo's Big Transit Projects Remain Divisive, Incomplete," by The City's Jose Martinez: "The state's 56th governor, who ran the MTA with an iron fist, is set to depart office with a host of signature transportation projects still in flux. Among them: the long-stalled congestion pricing plan that's supposed to generate billions of dollars for the MTA and help fund its five-year plan to maintain and expand the system."

— "Climate Stakeholders on What the IPCC Report Means for New York," by City Limits' Liz Donovan: "New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, passed by state lawmakers in 2019, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050. It also created the Climate Action Council, a 22-person committee tasked with making recommendations on how the state can achieve those goals. Some environmental advocates, though, believe the state's climate law is not aggressive enough in holding major polluters accountable. The proposed Climate and Community Investment Act, by contrast, would impose fines on corporations who fail to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It would then funnel a portion of those funds towards vulnerable communities most affected by climate change. The bill had not been voted on by the end of the legislative session in June. On a local level, New York City Council is considering a measure that would restrict fossil fuel hookups in new construction sites and gut renovations."

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Bidenology

"Psaki hails 'courageous women' who came forward to take down Cuomo," by New York Post's Steven Nelson: "White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday praised the 'courageous women' whose complaints of sexual harassment forced Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation. The Democratic governor said Tuesday he will step down after a devastating report commissioned by New York Attorney General Letitia James found he harassed 11 women — making impeachment likely. 'Our view is that this is a story about these courageous women who came forward, told their stories, shared their stories,' Psaki said at her daily press briefing... The White House did not receive a heads-up on Cuomo's resignation and Biden didn't personally contact the governor to urge him to step down, Psaki said."

— "Biden praises Cuomo for doing 'helluva job' following resignation announcement," by New York Daily News' Dave Goldiner: President Biden praised Gov. Cuomo for his achievements Tuesday even as he lauded his decision to resign over sexual harassment allegations. Asked about his close partnership with Cuomo, Biden sought to distinguish the governor's personal failings from his record as a leader. "He's done a helluva job," Biden told reporters at a press conference. "On everything from access to voting to infrastructure. That's why it's so sad."

FROM THE DELEGATION

"Cuomo resignation garners reaction from Congress: 'The right thing,'" by New York Post's Samuel Chamberlain and Juliegrace Brufke: "Members of Congress from both parties welcomed Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Tuesday resignation announcement, which came one week after state Attorney General Letitia James dropped a bombshell report detailing the Democrat's sexual harassment of 11 women, including nine current or former state employees. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) issued a statement praising "the brave women who stepped forward and courageously told their stories. 'There is no place for sexual harassment, and today's announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York,' Schumer added. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the No. 3 House Republican, celebrated the end of what she called 'the Worst Governor in America's corrupt and criminal tenure' and called for Cuomo to face criminal charges."

AROUND NEW YORK

— Boca Restaurant & Lounge in the Bronx is the first restaurant in the city to offer on-site vaccinations.

— Ex-Suffolk County District Attorney Tom Spota was sentenced to five years in prison in a corruption case.

— A 7-year-old girl was found dead with injuries to her head and body inside a Bronx apartment.

— A statue of the Virgin Mary was set on fire outside a church in Melrose.

— A former Bronx charter school orchestra conductor was charged with sexually abusing four students.

— An NYU security guard is accused of stabbing his boss after an argument over the employee's refusal to comply with Covid-19 protocols.

— Eight men have been arrested for allegedly running a 24-hour crack cocaine market in Times Square.

— A disgruntled client was arrested in the murder of a Queens divorce lawyer found dead in his office.

— An explosion in a Queens penthouse may have been set off to cover up a stabbing death.

SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: David Brooks is 6-0 … David Rubenstein … NYT's Lyndsey Layton … CNN's Rachel Smolkin … Marissa Secreto of Revolution … Waffa Munayyer … FedEx's Fred Smith … Edelman's Kari Butcher … Chris Berry of iHeartMedia … Vice's Liz Landers … Charles Blow … POLITICO's Toby Eckert … Yelena Shuster ... Ilana Drimmer … Walter Yetnikoff ... Elizabeth Holtzman ... Charlene Barshefsky ... Marc Bistricer

WEEKEND WEDDING — Nick Tropin, a principal at Ledge Harbor Management, this weekend married Elise Sarda, a chief of staff at Helio Health Group. The couple met at Stratton through mutual friends on the chairlift and got married at Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod. Pic

MEDIAWATCH — Per an internal NYT memo: "After seven years at The Wall Street Journal, Rebecca [Davis O'Brien] is joining The Times to cover criminal justice and the courts for the Metro desk."

REAL ESTATE

"Rent relief will miss eviction moratorium deadline for many," by Real Deal's Suzannah Cavanaugh: "In a hearing Tuesday, the state agency entrusted with distributing $2.7 billion in rental assistance said a lot of that money would not reach landlords before the state's eviction moratorium expires on Aug. 31. 'There is no chance,' said Michael Hein, commissioner of the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which runs the program. Hein declined to say whether the moratorium should be extended given that only $100 million, or 3.7 percent, of the aid has gone out. The commissioner did note that the 158,000 applicants would be shielded from eviction, even if their requests have not been approved by the time evictions resume."

"Delta Variant Casts a Shadow Over Midtown Manhattan's Shaky Recovery," by The New York Times' Jane Margolies: "Midtown Manhattan, which has been in the doldrums for much of the pandemic, has finally begun showing signs of life. But that progress may be threatened by the surge in coronavirus cases from the spread of the Delta variant. Outlying areas soldiered on during lockdowns, sustained by residents who spent money locally because many of them were holed up at home, but the city's central business district languished. Midtown, commonly defined as the area from 34th to 59th Streets, doesn't have a significant residential population, and when the office workers and tourists vanished, precious few people were left."

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