The fallout from Cuomo’s resignation

The reaction was lightening quick to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement Tuesday, Aug. 10, that he would resign his office. Here is some of that reaction:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat:

“First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here. New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is an exceptional public servant and will be an excellent governor. I look forward to working together to continue serving the people of our great state.”

NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy:

“New Yorkers can breathe a collective sigh of relief that Andrew Cuomo will no longer be able to wield the immense power of the governor’s office to commit his corruption and abuse, but make no mistake, this resignation is simply an attempt to avoid real accountability for his numerous crimes. Thousands of lives have been destroyed by Andrew Cuomo and the legislature must continue to move forward with impeachment to ensure he can never run for office again.

“Whether it was his numerous pay-to-play and corruption scandals, his deadly nursing home coverup or his $5 million book deal, the New York Republican Party has traveled across the state to expose the real Andrew Cuomo, even when it was a lonely solo mission. We will not rest until the entire stench of the Cuomo Administration is wiped clean from state government and we usher in a new era of integrity and common sense under a Republican governor in 2022.”

State Sen. Mike Martucci, a Republican:

“Governor Cuomo’s resignation is long overdue, but I’m glad he finally came to the obvious realization that all of us came to long ago. The culture of abuse, intimidation, lies and bullying that he brought to state government were among our state’s darkest chapters. Thankfully we are closing the book on that era today. I was among the first legislators to call for his resignation and later impeachment. I did not do so lightly — instead, I simply followed the facts and applied my own moral compass. I wish Lieutenant Governor Hochul well in the transition, and I pledge to work with her along with my colleagues in the Legislature to move our State forward and address the pressing problems we were elected to solve. Finally, I want to recognize the bravery, resilience and strength of all of the Governor’s victims. Today is a day you receive a measure of justice, and our State can look to better and brighter days ahead.”

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, a Republican:

“Today’s resignation by Gov. Cuomo marks the first step in the healing process for the stressful and chaotic period his time in office has been to New Yorkers everywhere. This announcement came as a surprise, but I am glad Cuomo did the right thing and stepped down.”

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt, a Republican:

“Today, Governor Cuomo’s resignation provides a small measure of justice for the victims of Governor Cuomo’s documented sexual harassment and assault, as well as those who lost their lives as a result of his decision to order nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. Hopefully, the brave young women who stepped forward to put an end to his abusive conduct may now begin the healing process.

“While the Governor’s announcement closes a dark chapter in our state’s history, steps must be taken to ensure there is accountability to New York residents and taxpayers.

“In two weeks, Lt. Governor Hochul will take office and New York will have its first female governor. In times like these, we must seek to find ways to work with one another, regardless of political affiliation and I wish her the best in her new upcoming role as our state’s top executive.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat:

“Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

State Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat:

“Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo is a necessary first step on New York’s long road to healing. While I wish the decision had been made much, much sooner, I welcome this opportunity to turn the page on Cuomo’s documented patterns of abuse, harassment and bullying, and I applaud the brave women who came forward to demand change.

“As we begin to articulate a new vision for New York rooted in respect, honesty and transparency, I particularly welcome the ascension of the state’s first female Governor, Kathy Hochul. Governor Hochul is deeply familiar with the needs of communities across this state, and I look forward to partnering with her on behalf of working- and middle-class New Yorkers.

“To lift the long-standing fog of mistrust and misogyny from the Governor’s Mansion, those in power must actively acknowledge and address our past failings. I applaud Attorney General Letitia James for her commitment to exposing the truth, and I stand in support of future efforts by local District Attorneys and law enforcement to hold Cuomo, and those who willfully enabled his behavior, to account.”