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| New York Senate Leader Dean Skelos |
"I cannot imagine him continuing to serve as leader as he deals with the cloud of corruption now effecting the top two Senate Republican leaders," said Stewart-Cousins, referring to Skelos and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous, who is scheduled to stand trial in July on a felony charge of making false statements to the FBI about an alleged scheme to get his son a job at a Westchester County law firm in 2010.
She said the charges against Skelos are "deeply disturbing" and there are many pressing issues that "must" be addressed during the remainder of the legislative session, and the Republican majority should ensure that the Senate is not "bogged down in scandal."
Skelos was charged Monday with six counts including conspiracy, extortion, and solicitation of bribes which stem from a federal investigation, according to officials. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in the complaint that Skelos "unlawfully" used his power and influence as Senate majority leader "repeatedly, to illegally enrich his son and indirectly, himself."
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| Photo by Danyal Mohammadzadeh |
"More specifically, the complaint, in multiple places, alleges that Dean Skelos's support for certain infrastructure projects and legislation was often based, not on what was good for his constituents or good for New York, but rather on what was good for his son's bank account," Bharara added.
However, Skelos maintains he is innocent of the charges leveled against him.
"I am not saying I am just not guilty, I am saying that I am innocent. I fully expect to be exonerated by a public jury trial," Skelos said Monday.
Republican Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, East Fishkill, believes Skelos cannot continue as majority leader under the cloud of a corruption trial.
"He is entitled to the presumption of innocence and his day in court, but a federal indictment means he can't continue as one of the most powerful people in New York State government," said Lalor, noting if Skelos won't step down, "Senate Republicans have an obligation to remove him."
Also, Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said Skelos should promptly resign his leadership position.
"I am confident that Skelos will do the right thing and it is the noble course of action," Astorino said.
Former Hudson Valley state Senator Terry Gipson believes it is "imperative" that Skelos step down from his post as Majority Leader while he addresses these charges.
"It is my hope that his Republican colleagues will echo this call and that our state legislators will put politics aside and come together to address the campaign finance and ethics issues that malign our state government once and for all," Gipson said.
However, Skelos maintains he is innocent of the charges leveled against him.
"I am not saying I am just not guilty, I am saying that I am innocent. I fully expect to be exonerated by a public jury trial," Skelos said Monday.
Republican Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, East Fishkill, believes Skelos cannot continue as majority leader under the cloud of a corruption trial.
"He is entitled to the presumption of innocence and his day in court, but a federal indictment means he can't continue as one of the most powerful people in New York State government," said Lalor, noting if Skelos won't step down, "Senate Republicans have an obligation to remove him."
Also, Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said Skelos should promptly resign his leadership position.
"I am confident that Skelos will do the right thing and it is the noble course of action," Astorino said.
Former Hudson Valley state Senator Terry Gipson believes it is "imperative" that Skelos step down from his post as Majority Leader while he addresses these charges.
"It is my hope that his Republican colleagues will echo this call and that our state legislators will put politics aside and come together to address the campaign finance and ethics issues that malign our state government once and for all," Gipson said.
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