Cuomo gets contributions, then subpoenas

 

Timing is everything, it seems.

There was a rumor over the weekend that the state Assembly Judiciary Committee, headed by Assemb. Chuck Lavine (D-Glen Cove), was going to be sending subpoeana's out this week to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and staff.

Most political wiseguys scoffed at the rumor. It's been four months since the Judiciary Committee was supposed to be conducting an impeachment investigation into allegations against Cuomo of sexual harrasssment, cover-up of nursing home deaths, misuse of government employees, bullying of lawmakers.

But nothing happened.

Cuomo denied the allegations and continued to hold frequent news conferences with friendly guests, touting his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo's bluster and bravado helped move him up in statewide polls of his popularity, which had cratered when the allegations first were made. It seemed clear he was running for re-election next year.

On June 15, he handed out plaques to what seemed like every union leader in the state, praising them for their work during the pandemic.

It seemed to be a surefire way to win votes. Apparently it also was a pretty good way to drive contributions.

Cuomo had a $10,000-a-plate fundraiser in Manhattan last night -- $15,000 per couple. It was his first fundraiser since the allegations broke earlier this year.

The New York Post reports that 170 guests attended, including a number of labor bosses.

The paper named seven of the union leaders who attended and it sounded like the same people who got plaques a few weeks ago.

The Wall Street Journal said the soiree "was expected to raise more than $1 million for Mr. Cuomo’s re-election campaign."

Then this morning,  only hours after the Cuomo gala,  Lavine held a behind-closed-doors meeting of the judiciary committee.

Lavine emerged to announce that his committee would be issuing subpoenas in the impeachment investigation.

He didn't say much of anything else. 

But isn't the timing interesting