Common Cause/NY Responds to BOE Failure to Control Cuomo's Campaign Spending

NEW YORK, NY (03/07/2022) (readMedia)-- In response to breaking news that the New York State Board of Elections has declined to enforce the plain language of the election law in relation to Andrew Cuomo's personal use of campaign funds, Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY issued the following statement:

"Common Cause/NY is outraged, but not surprised, that the BOE Enforcement Counsel has failed to reign in Cuomo's egregious misuse of campaign funds for personal use. New York's campaign finance laws are already porous, but the lack of enforcement renders them all but meaningless. Last week, Cuomo's spokesperson basically admitted the campaign has been out of compliance for 5 months when he said they just changed the account status to "no designation" in February. That leaves millions of dollars unregulated and a greenlight from the BOE to Cuomo to continue recklessly spending other people's money rebuilding his image and smearing others. Lawmakers must explore real solutions to hold Cuomo accountable immediately."

According to multiple news reports, Cuomo is using his $16.4 million war chest to pay a spokesman and launch television ads to smear sexual harassment victims and others. Common Cause/NY, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), Reinvent Albany, and the League of Women Voters submitted a complaint in September to the NYSBOE to open an investigation into former Governor Cuomo's campaign spending on non-campaign related activities. The BOE's full determination is attached.