The convention capped an extraordinary year in New York politics, defined in New York by the election of the city’s second black mayor, E...
The convention capped an extraordinary year in New York politics, defined in New York by the election of the city’s second black mayor, Eric Adams, and in Albany by the ousting of Mr. Cuomo amid allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Attorney General Letitia James, who briefly disputed Ms Hochul, but now seeking re-election, released an investigation into Mr Cuomo’s conduct which led to his resignation. He denied touching anyone inappropriately and, emboldened by decisions by leading prosecutors to reprimand him but not prosecute him, he reported to the associates he hopes to find in public life.
In an enthusiastically received appearance before the convention, Ms James defended the report and whipped Mr Cuomo.
“It has become clear that the former governor will never accept any version of these events other than his own,” she said. “To achieve this, he is now claiming victimhood and shamefully attacking anyone who gets in his way. Push others down to straighten up. But I will not bow. I will not break.
The crowd began to cheer, a stark reminder of how far Mr. Cuomo has traveled. Four years ago, the Democratic convention was a sacred for himafter a fiery primary challenge from actress Cynthia Nixon.
Today, he is an outcast among party officials over whom he once wielded enormous influence.
“I won’t be intimidated by him,” said Ms. James, whose office is also conducting a civil investigation into former President Donald J. Trump and his family business. “Or Donald Trump,” she added.
But much of the day was devoted to the current governor.
“The party should be unified,” said Congresswoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, who said she believed Democratic opponents of Ms Hochul – New York City’s public attorney Jumaane D. Williams, and Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island – is expected to drop out of the race.
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