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Cuomo Plots Comeback, Tries to Determine Best Forum to Signal his Return to Public Life

Cuomo Plots Comeback, Tries to Determine Best Forum to Signal his Return to Public Life

By Yehudit Garmaise


Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who, except for a few photos he has posted on social media, has stayed out of the public eye since he resigned on Aug. 10, 2021, however, he wants to get back in the public’s good graces, the Wall Street Journal reported.

To find the right forum for a public speaking event that will launch what Cuomo hopes will be a comeback, he his few remaining aides have been busy trying to reach  former allies and political operatives to attempt to discredit New York Attorney General Letitia James and her investigation that concluded that the former governor had harassed many current and former state employees. 

James, a Democrat, who at the time was running for governor, has said her report, which was based on 74,000 pieces of evidence, was corroborated by district attorneys who determined the accusers were credible.

 Cuomo, who continues to say that James’ investigation was “politically motivated,” also continues to deny the many allegations against him.

“Mr. Cuomo’s relentless attacks on [his accusers] will not mask the truth,” said Delaney Kempner, a spokeswoman for James.

Since leaving office, Cuomo, who has $16 million still on hand, has spent more than $1 million of his campaign account, according to the state Board of Elections.

Of that $1 million, Cuomo paid $900,000 went to his lawyer, Rita Glavin, who claims she has information about the former governor’s accusers that undermines their credibility.

“If you were in his position, you wouldn’t let it go either,” said Glavin, who has asked James’ office to amend her report to include information that is favorable to Cuomo’s defense. “The truth is important to him.”

However,  such claims were “just another attempt by Mr. Cuomo to deflect blame and evade accountability," said Howard Zemsky, the president and CEO of Empire State Development and commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development, who has testified against the former governor.

The balance of the $1 million spent by Cuomo, who is said to be considering any further legal options, was paid to cover letters sent to voters, according to board records and to the firm of Rich Azzopardi, who is a spokesman of the former governor.  

“He’s most interested in clearing his name,” said New York State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, who said he last spoke with Cuomo in November 2021. “My advice would be: he needs time to pass before any moves to re-enter public life. But is that possible in the future? In America, anything’s possible.”

Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, both Democrats, campaigned for office in New York City after they resigned amid scandals, however, neither politician was able to re-enter public life.

(Photo by: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor)


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