Although Republicans nationwide have celebrated the long-awaited resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), the condemnation of Cuomo by his fellow Democrats was crucial in pushing him out of office. In Florida, state Senator Lauren Book (D-32) has already called for the prosecution of the New York Governor. Now, Book says she is "pleased" with Cuomo's resignation.
As previously reported by The Floridian, state Senator Lauren Book, founder, and CEO of nonprofit Lauren's Kids, which works to prevent sexual abuse and help survivors heal, was one of the first to call for Cuomo's prosecution after the damning probe into the accusations against him was released last week.
Now, after his official resignation, Book released a statement on behalf of herself, Florida Democrats, and survivors of sexual assault:
"Despite initial resistance, I am pleased that Andrew Cuomo has done the right thing and resigned from his position as Governor of New York. The brave women who came forward with their experiences, despite smear campaigns and pressure to stay silent, have paved the way for others to be heard and believed." Adding "I am also thankful for the courage displayed by Attorney General Tish James who leaned into political discomfort in her quest for the truth, completing a thorough and unbiased investigation that has shone a light on an unacceptable culture of sexual harassment and abuse of power perpetrated by a man who represented himself as an outspoken champion for these issues." Concluding "There is no room for this kind of behavior in government or any segment of American society."
Cuomo gave a speech today in which he officially announced his resignation, but not going down without a fight. The governor maintained his innocence through an argument of ignorance, claiming he simply didn't know or feel what he did was wrong.
