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Assembly impeachment inquiry committee gives an update

The New York State Assembly’s committee that’s conducting an impeachment inquiry into Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered a brief progress report after meeting Wednesday.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine, who is chair of the Judiciary Committee, said the Davis Polk law firm that the Assembly hired has been busy looking into allegations that the governor sexually harassed several women, including female staffers; improperly used employees to help him write and edit a memoir about the COVID-19 pandemic; and covered up with his staff the number of deaths of nursing home residents during the pandemic. 

“In total, Davis Polk has spoken to 75 individuals and entities that have information relative to the issues under investigation,” said Lavine, who added follow-up interviews and meetings with new witnesses are ongoing. 

He said a hotline set up by the committee has received 290 messages, including emails and voicemails.  

Lavine said the attorneys have reviewed tens of thousands of documents, including emails and texts, photographs, personnel records, and training materials. 

Lavine also addressed criticisms that the Assembly, which is paying Davis Polk $250,000 for the inquiry, is not devoting enough resources to the probe. Lavine said more money will likely be allotted as the investigation continues.  

The impeachment inquiry began more than two months ago, and no time has been set for its completion. If the committee concludes that there is enough evidence against the governor, the next step would be impeachment.  

State Republican Party Chair Nick Langworthy, in a statement, accused the Assembly, which is led by Democrats, of stalling to shield the embattled Democratic governor.

“There is already more than enough evidence to warrant Cuomo’s removal from office, yet the Assembly continues to dither and protect his power at the expense of New Yorkers.” Langworthy said.

Cuomo denies that he did anything wrong.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network, composed of a dozen newsrooms across the state. She has covered state government and politics for the network since 1990.