Yesterday we reported that the Democrat New York Lt. Gov. resigned after being arrested following an indictment from the Southern District of New York.
Here we are telling you more in detail about how this may affect Governor Kathy Hochul, who replaced former Governor Andrew Cuomo who had to recently resign in disgrace himself. Hochul reportedly wanted to end corruption.
But one of her first decisions was not to that effect. Although it may not have been done nefariously, this does not help Hochul’s re-election campaign.
…”CBS 2 political reporter Marsha Kramer says the case is a huge blow to Governor Hochul as she seeks a full term..”
…”Brian Benjamin stands accused of federal bribery and fraud charges for allegedly masterminding a campaign donation shakedown. A Harlem real estate developer identified by CBS 2 sources as Gerald Migdol was promised a $50,000 state grant in exchange for collecting tens of thousands of dollars in donations for his state senate campaign, and a campaign for city controller”…
…”But that’s not all, Benjamin is also accused of lying to state investigators who were vetting him for Hochul, who wanted him as her running mate for Lt. Gov. The irony is that when Hochul replaced Andrew Cuomo, she vowed to end the corruption in Albany, and her first decision was to pick Benjamin…”
WATCH:
The video report went on to say that “there’s no indication Hochul knew about the federal investigation…”
U.S. House Rep Lee Zeldin (R-NY) lashed out at Hochul yesterday, as he is running for Governor himself under the GOP.
It will be tough for a Republican to win statewide in New York. However, Hochul is in big trouble here in regards to her campaign and credibility, we just don’t know how much.
Time will tell what new information comes out as the case against the allegations against former NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin moves forward now.
Meanwhile, NY Democrats will now need to pick another new Lt. Gov.
Politico reported in part:
Just five days ago, Hochul said she had the “utmost confidence” in her lieutenant, even after reports emerged that he had been subpoenaed.
“While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor,” she said in a statement on Tuesday evening. “New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”
New York Democrats were already running to primary Hochul and Benjamin, in addition to Lee Zeldin’s GOP run. Politico also reported:
Hochul’s primary challenger Rep. Tom Suozzi and his running mate Diana Reyna called it “an indictment on Kathy Hochul’s lack of experience and poor judgment.”
Another lieutenant governor primary challenger, Ana Maria Archila, scheduled an almost immediate press conference and said he was a continuation of Albany corruption, “with politicians trading favors for the money of the wealthy and powerful.”
Gothamist reported that it may be hard to get Benjamin’s name off the upcoming ballot as well.
Stay tuned for more possible updates on this developing situation.
