New York Governor Cuomo faces new impeachment investigation

It was only this past Monday that Governor Cuomo publicly declared “there is no way I resign.”

A statement this evening came from New York Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie as it pertained to Andrew Cuomo. "After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo."

This new investigation will have document subpoena power and the ability to interview the relevant witnesses.

“The legislature needs to determine for itself what the facts are,” Assemblyman Tom Abinanti told AP. “For the people who want immediate impeachment, I think we say please be patient. The process is slow. This could be the next step.”

What likely sparked this heightened interest in impeachment is the latest allegation of sexual misconduct against the New York Governor. Yesterday it was revealed by Times Union that a female aide had been called to the Governor’s Mansion for what was labeled to be so-called phone problems. This new accuser alleges that it was a ruse by Cuomo to get the both of them alone. When that happened, she says he aggressively groped her. The aide recalls telling him to stop.

It was enough to push New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to publicly back Cuomo’s removal from office.

The groping incident has also been referred to the Albany Police for investigation. Earlier today more than half of New York’s legislators called for Governor Cuomo to resign, in light of the mounting controversy.

This investigation is noted to be separate from the one being conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James.