Reform Groups Push NYSBOE to Open Investigation Into Cuomo's Spending

NEW YORK, NY (03/03/2022) (readMedia)-- Ahead of tomorrow's New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) meeting, Common Cause/NY, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), and Reinvent Albany pressed NYSBOE to open an investigation into former Governor Cuomo's campaign spending on non-campaign related activities. The groups submitted a complaint in September to the NYSBOE.

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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. This is a clear violation of NY Election Law 14-130 which states that campaign funds "shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position..." and defines converting for personal use to include "salary payments or other compensation provided to any person for services where such services are not solely for campaign purposes or provided in connection with the execution of the duties of public office or party position." Cuomo no longer holds public office and his top aide said publicly he has no current plans to run for office again.

"Former Governor Cuomo is misusing campaign funds for personal purposes, buying television ads to rebuild his image and smear his victims. His donors gave him money to run for public office, not to use as a personal slush fund to salve his ego. Common Cause/NY filed a complaint with the NYSBOE enforcement counsel several months ago, and we're hopeful the investigation will confirm what we know: this is a blatant misuse of campaign funds," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.