Jay Jacobs missed the memo, but dodges major minefields

                                                                          

Jay Jacobs on a previous News 12 "power and politics" segment

Jay Jacobs, New York State and Nassau County Democratic Chairman, spoke too soon.

Jacobs was featured on a News12 "Power and Politics" segment this morning that focused on the mounting nursing home scandal and sexual harassment claims involving Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

But Jacobs' interview was taped before a second former Cuomo staffer last night accused the third-term governor of sexual harassment -- blowing up the internet and the news media after a former staffer came forward with similar claims earlier this week.

Cuomo has denied the allegations.

Jacobs spoke before Democratic elected officials from the White house through the state and Long Island went public with what must have been an email-blasted memo with well-coordinated talking points -- a call for an independent review of the womens' allegations.

Cuomo-supporting state lawmakers began the call:

 "A truly independent investigation is warranted,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) told the New York Post.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, another Democrat, also called for an independent review.

Then Long Island's Democratic senators chimed in. All had been endorsed by Cuomo last year. Notice a distinct similarity in their statements.

First to tweet was State Sen. Anna Kaplan, of Great Neck, who said, "The women who have come forth with allegations against the Governor deserve to have their voices heard, and I believe the situation warrants an independent investigation so that we may all know the facts of what has taken place."

She was quickly followed by Sen. Kevin Thomas of Levittown who tweeted, "No one should have to endure sexual harassment or mistreatment in the workplace. I stand with my colleagues in our ongoing commitment to combating this inappropriate behavior and ensuring that those who perpetuate it are held accountable."

Sen. Jim Gaughran of Northport was close behind, "The allegations of sexual harassment against the Governor must be taken seriously. An independent investigation must be commenced immediately."

On their heels came State Sen. Todd Kaminsky of Long Beach who tweeted a statement:  "This pattern of behavior requires a swift and immediate independent investigation, the leader of which must be empowered to access all evidence."

A strong Cuomo ally, Democratic Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was next, tweeting: "The woman who have come forth with allegations against the governor should be treated fairly and have their voices heard. An independent investigation must be undertaken to review all the facts." 

Democratic  Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, another Cuomo friend, brought up the rear, tweeting, "The allegations made against the Governor are serious. An independent investigation must be conducted to review all of the facts."

State Sen. John Brooks of Seaford, who ran without an opponent last year, so far has not tweeted anything about the allegations. 

Last week on New12 Brooks was hesitant to demand an investigation into the 15,000 nursing home deaths in New York that many have blamed on a March 25 directive from Cuomo's health department that ordered hospitals to release Covid-19 senior citizen patients into nursing homes. .

Then this morning, White House press secretary Jan Psaki said President Joe Biden supports "an independent review looking into these allegations." 

At that point, Cuomo gave in and opted to support an independent review by state Attorney General Letitia James and New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who was nominated by Cuomo for her job.

Cuomo had first announced he was choosing his own special investigator to investigate him -- much like he had his own Health Department investigate nursing home deaths as a result of its March 25 order. (The Health Department exonerated itself.)

Jacobs didn't know all this when he was interviewed by News12's Rich Barrabi, but still managed to dodge major minefields.

Suffolk Republican chairman Jesse Garcia was interviewed first.

Garcia too had not heard the latest allegation, but wanted "a transparent investigation that is independent of politics...If what we have heard is true, this governor is in trouble."

Jacobs --- caught between loyalty to Cuomo while supporting his Democratic elected officials-- noted the controversies began with the March 25 order. "The Republicans and some in my own party are making a lot of hay out of it. I think some of the characterizations have been very unfair."

In regard to the initial  sexual harassment claim, he said, "Any allegation is disturbing. I don't believe we should prejudge it..My focus is on the government issues and political issues. I think that issue will sort itself.

When asked about a political challenge to Cuomo, who was expected to run for a fourth term next year, Jacobs responded, " If he runs again, as tough as things may seem right now, he's going to win again."