Meanwhile Back in Albany (v42)

Sonofa Gov Poster

The NYS Assembly, the chamber that's going to investigate (for one reason or another) the varied crises faced by the Sonofa Gov, has engaged a law firm to handle the heavy lifting for them.

I say 'for one reason or another,' because we know there was some confusion, or disagreement, among the Dems on a private call of conference members, which was made public - because of course it was.

The contentious conversation between Heastie and his Democratic colleagues, which has not previously been reported in detail, revealed how New York Democrats are consumed by Cuomo’s conduct and are deeply divided on how to move forward.

And, the article continued, it showed how they're now afraid of leaks, and of the potential that more women might bring allegations against Cuomo. 

At one point, (Speaker Carl Heastie) said the Assembly’s Democratic conference was divided between those who want to leave it to state Attorney General Tish James to investigate Cuomo’s conduct, those who hope the governor will step down, and those who want to see him impeached.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee's investigation "will focus on three different things: the seven women who have accused the governor of assault, the nursing home deaths and the mounting questions about" the Mario Cuomo Bridge project. As one Assembly member said, “He’s got three major buckets of shit going on here,” referring to Cuomo. 

So, we know the what; let's look at the who. 

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced that the Assembly has retained the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP to lead the impeachment investigation into the mounting allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fair investigation,” Speaker Heastie said. “Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence, and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner.” 

The three attorneys assigned to the investigation have experience defending white collar criminals of all stripes, in federal and state courts, and with multiple regulators, and are highly praised by clients and their peers. One worked on the Mueller investigation.

Lavine said that the addition of firm will allow him and his committee "to fully and fairly investigate the allegations. These are serious allegations, and they will be treated with fairness, due process, and discretion." 

The addition of the firm also caused a stir - rightfully, I think. With all the law firms in NYC, and in Albany, and, honestly, anywhere else in the country, they managed to find one that, as the attorney for one of the alleged victims said, "has some associations that could call its objectivity into question."  

Dennis Glazer, the husband of the state’s chief judge of the Court of Appeals, Janet DiFiore, was a partner at Davis Polk for 30 years. Cuomo appointed DiFiore to her judgeship. She also served as the chair of the state’s public ethics commission, an entity controlled by the governor. Glazer was appointed by Cuomo to serve on the Board of SUNY Purchase and the state’s casino siting board. If the Assembly does vote to impeach, DiFiore would preside over a Senate impeachment trial.

It's been reported that Glazer is still getting a nice pension from his former firm. Not only that, but guess who the Sonofa Gov wanted to be involved in the investigation into the allegations? That's right - Chief Judge Janet DiFiore. And, should the investigation result in articles of impeachment? DiFiore will be a juror. 

What a mess. 

I don't know about you, but I am not at all surprised that at least one of Cuomo's accusers is saying she won't participate in the Judiciary Committee's "sham investigation." 

Would you do anything different if you were in her shoes?