Cuomo detractors say resignation shouldn't be end of scandal, governor should be 'prosecuted and arrested'

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Janice Dean reacts to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation: ‘I’m in shock’

Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean, who lost both her in-laws to COVID-19 in New York care facilities, reacts to the governor’s announcement that he will resign in 14 days

Detractors of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it was past time for his resignation Tuesday after the governor announced that he will be stepping down from office in two weeks – the culmination of about a year of cascading scandals, most notably allegations of pervasive sexual harassment by the governor. 

Some critics also said the resignation should not be the end of accountability for Cuomo, who New York Attorney General Letitia James said broke state and federal laws with his behavior spanning years.

"Governor Cuomo's resignation is long past overdue," Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said. "Now, former Governor Cuomo needs to be prosecuted and arrested for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual grooming."

"The corrupt reign of King Cuomo is over at last, but the fight for justice and accountability is just beginning," Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., said in a statement shortly after his resignation. "Investigations into Cuomo’s abuse of power, corruption, and criminal misconduct must continue. Cuomo should be immediately prosecuted, not just for sexual harassment and assault, but also for his deadly nursing home policies and subsequent cover up."

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Tenney added: "Those who aided and abetted Cuomo over these many years must also answer for their crimes and corruption."

Albany County District Attorney Spokesperson Cecilia Walsh said that the criminal probe into Cuomo remains open. 

"We will not be making a comment about the resignation at this time," she said. "Our inquiry into criminal conduct in our jurisdiction remains open and pending."

Lindsey Boylan, one of the women who first accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, expressed appreciation for James and her investigation. 

"From the beginning, I simply asked that the Governor stop his abusive behavior. It became abundantly clear he was unable to do that, instead attacking and blaming victims until the end. It is a tragedy that so many stood by and watched these abuses happen," Boylan said. 

"I am thankful for the Attorney General, the investigators and all those who have pursued the truth despite intimidation and threats of retaliation," she added. "Most importantly, I am in awe of the strength of the other women who risked everything to come forward. My hope always has been that this will make it safer for other women to report their own harassment and abuse. I will continue the fight to make that happen."

Others, particularly Democrats, simply said that Cuomo's exit will be good for the state. 

"There is no place for sexual harassment, and today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York," Sen Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. 

"First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said. "New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership."

Cuomo began his Tuesday press conference defending himself, saying that his offending comments were often joking and – repeating a defense he previously used against allegations of unwanted groping – that he touches all people. 

"I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men." Cuomo said. "In my mind I've never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn."

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But rather than continue to fight against the political storm that has been brewing since last spring when the governor came under fire for forcing nursing homes to accept coronavirus-positive patients, Cuomo said he would resign, effective later this month. 

"I am a fighter, and my instinct is to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is politically motivated," Cuomo said. "Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing that state government should be doing. And I cannot be the cause of that… I think that given the circumstances the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. And therefore that's what I'll do."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about the resignation at a press conference Tuesday. She said James' investigation and the scandal itself "concluded today in an outcome that the president called for just last week."

"The president made clear his views last week and those stand. Our view is that this is a story of those courageous women who came forward, told their stories, shared their stories," Psaki said.

Psaki also said Biden has not talked to Cuomo and the White House did not have advance notice of the resignation.

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New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a brief statement Tuesday that she is ready to take over for Cuomo. 

"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers," she said. "As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor."

New York Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said that he has confidence in Hochul to lead the state. 

"New York will finally have its first female Governor and we could not be in better hands," he said. "I am confident that incoming Governor Hochul’s empathy, work ethic and authentic concern for the welfare of its citizens will make her an outstanding Governor for our State."

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the alleged victims of Cuomo's sexual harassment for speaking about their experiences. 

"Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories. It was past time for Andrew Cuomo to resign and it’s for the good of all New York," de Blasio said. 

Fox News' Jeremy Copas and Tamara Gitt contributed to this report.