Here’s what Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s potential impeachment might look like

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While Cuomo apologized for “making anyone uncomfortable,” the Democrat argued he “never touched anyone inappropriately.” When asked if he would step down, as many New York Democrats are now asking him to do, the governor bluntly said he would ignore those calls. The impeachment inquiry runs alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James’ independent civil inquiry into the allegations against the governor, in which Cuomo has said he will participate fully.

National and New York Democratic agents believe in Cuomo’s resolve, arguing that the governor is highly unlikely to resign on his own – making an eventual impeachment the most likely place for the governor’s possible departure for the third term.

“The only way for him to leave, unless he surprises everyone and turns into a different human being, is to blame him,” a senior Democratic official said, noting that Cuomo’s mentality has often been not to give an inch when faced with a challenge.

The pressure on Cuomo comes as he comes under fire for his handling of nursing home deaths during the coronavirus crisis. The Cuomo administration issued a controversial notice last year that barred nursing homes from refusing to admit patients solely on the basis of confirmed or suspected coronavirus, in order to free up hospital beds. The move may have increased the spread of the virus in facilities, according to a report released earlier this year by James. The report also found that more nursing home residents have died from Covid-19 than data released by the New York State Department of Health reflects.

The New York State Assembly is responsible for voting to remove Cuomo, in accordance with the New York State Constitution. The Assembly, which is made up of 150 legislators, only needs a majority vote to indict what the Constitution calls “misconduct or wrongdoing”.

The New York Assembly is majority-controlled by the Democrats, with the party holding 106 of the 150 seats. Seventy-six votes are needed to remove Cuomo.

<< Provisions will be made by law for the dismissal in the event of fault or malfeasance in the function of all officers, with the exception of magistrates, whose powers and functions are not local or legislative and who will be elected to the general elections, as well as to fill the vacancies created by this revocation. », We read in the Constitution.

If the Assembly votes for impeachment, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat from Buffalo, becomes governor, stripping Cuomo of his decision-making abilities. Cuomo would then go to a trial, held by the New York Senate, which would be made up of senators and appeals court judges, in accordance with the state’s Constitution. Hochul would not be part of the trial, the Constitution says.

Cuomo should be found guilty by two-thirds of the state Senate. Democrats hold 43 of the 63 seats in the legislative chamber.

If found guilty, the sanction would be removal from office, according to the Constitution. If Cuomo passes the impeachment process and is acquitted, he becomes governor again. He regains his position with all the powers that go with it.

“The judgment in the event of an indictment must not extend beyond the dismissal of his functions, or the dismissal of his functions and the prohibition to exercise and enjoy any honorary public function. , confidence or profit under this state; but the party impeached is liable to indictment and punishment according to the law ”, we read in the Constitution.

The decision to open an impeachment inquiry came after State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie met with the Assembly Majority Conference on Thursday.

“The reports of charges against the governor are serious,” Heastie said in a statement.

Even as the two investigations continue, sentiment among leading New York Democrats turns against Cuomo.

On Thursday, more than 50 Democratic lawmakers in New York called for his resignation. And on Friday, a majority of the New York Congressional Democratic delegation called on the governor to step down, bringing the total number of New York Democrats in the House, calling on him to step down to 16 of the 19 House Democrats in New York. York.

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