Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – who in 2017 led the call for fellow Democratic Senator Al Franken to resign over sexual misconduct allegations – said on Sunday she finally demanded Governor Andrew Cuomo resign over his own harassment scandal over the need for leadership amid of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gillibrand, the young US senator from New York, had been delayed until Friday to call for Cuomo’s resignation, despite playing a pioneering role in the deposition of Franken, the “ Saturday Night Live, ” funny man turned lawmaker and representing Minnesota.
At an unrelated press conference in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday, Gillibrand said she decided to finally come out against Cuomo because she felt it was important that New York should be led by someone capable of giving the pandemic their undivided attention.
“Every situation is different,” said Gillibrand, asking how the charges against Cuomo relate to those against Frank, who eventually resigned after several women accused him of inappropriate physical contact.
“What’s very unique about this moment in time is that we are in the middle of the worst crisis of our lives.
“Focused leadership is needed and you need the support of your government partners.”
Seven women – including five current or former Cuomo executives – have variously accused the governor of inappropriate comments or physical contact in recent weeks.
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers had already begged Cuomo to resign by the time Gillibrand and fellow New York Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority senate leader, made their own calls on Friday.
“Because of the multiple, credible allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the trust of his government partners and the people of New York,” she said on Sunday, doubling down on her explanation. “That’s why I think the governor should resign.”
Should Cuomo resign, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul would take over as governor under state law.
But recently on Friday, Cuomo, now in his third term, said he has no plans to step down, pledging to help New York through the public health crisis.
Although he apologized for inappropriate comments in the workplace, he firmly denied any inappropriate physical contact.