New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has announced his resignation effective immediately.
The stunning development comes hours after his indictment on a slew of corruption-related charges.
Until recently, observers universally considered Benjamin a rising star in the Democratic Party. However, reports indicate that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) was eager to cut him loose as soon as he became politically radioactive.
As NBC New York reports:
“I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately. While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them,” Hochul said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Hochul chose Benjamin, an African American and progressive, as her second-in-command after Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned over sexual harassment allegations last year.
Benjamin, a Democrat, was charged with bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records in an alleged scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.
Facing charges including bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records, Benjamin pleaded not guilty Tuesday at an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. He was released and bail was set at $250,000.
The New York Times reports how today’s indictment complicates Hochul’s reelection:
Despite his resignation, Mr. Benjamin is likely to remain on the Democratic primary ballot in June, along with two main challengers. Because Mr. Benjamin was designated as the Democratic Party’s nominee for lieutenant governor, his name could only be removed at this point if he were to move out of the state, die or seek another office.
No evidence suggests that Hochul knew of Benjamin’s illicit activity. However, her political opponents are guaranteed to seize on her promise to bring respectability back to New York politics.
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Want to talk about this? Sick of the crazy? Anyone listen to Kinzinger speak? I’m not in the trumpet cult but I am born and raised Republican. Kinzinger has the values and ideas that made me a Republican. As it is Trumpler is endorsing Dr. OZ and praising Putin. Take a breath, we are all Americans. If you are supporting the Russians, you have gone too far.