John,
The law applies to everyone regardless of power or party.
Governor Andrew Cuomo is no exception. Cuomo appears to have broken the law by using his campaign to sell his book—so CREW has filed a complaint with the New York State Board of Elections asking them to investigate.
New York state law expressly prohibits using campaign funds for personal use, and his campaign committee’s use of social media and emails to promote his book to supporters appears to have violated that prohibition. The Board of Elections must investigate, and hold Cuomo and his campaign accountable if they have broken the law.
During the Trump presidency, we saw how dangerous it was when the president acted as if he was above the law and too powerful for accountability. That principle is true, whether it’s a governor or a president, a Democrat or a Republican—no one is above the law, and everyone must be held accountable when they abuse their power.
In Cuomo’s case, his history of problematic conduct in office is a long one, made even more vivid with new revelations in recent months about misuse of staff time and a cover-up of deaths reportedly so that he could secure this book deal. A good government is ethical and transparent. This reported behavior is neither, and it must not be tolerated.
At CREW, we’ll continue calling out legal and ethical violations whenever we see them, no matter who is responsible. A strong, fair democracy demands accountability for anyone who abuses their political power for personal gain.
Thank you,
Noah Bookbinder
President, CREW
