ALBANY – With the resignation of Eric Schneiderman as the state attorney general following allegations of assaults against former girlfriends, Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that by law, Solicitor General Barbara Underwood has assumed the AG’s role temporarily.
She said the work of the AG’s office “has never been stronger and this extraordinarily talented, dedicated, and tireless team of public servants will ensure that our work continues without interruption.”
By Tuesday evening, Cuomo named Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas as special prosecutor and special deputy attorney general to investigate, and if warranted, prosecute Schneiderman.
Earlier in the day, the governor said it will be up the state legislature to appoint a new attorney general.
“We also have a Democratic convention coming up in two weeks so
the Democratic Party will have a convention and Democrats from across
the state will have a chance to voice their opinion. We will have a primary
election in several months and a general election, so the people will
make the ultimate selection, which is the way it should be,” he said.
Cuomo did not acknowledge the two-party system and that the election is not just a Democratic Party cakewalk.
The state attorney general’s post is up for a new term in November so any candidate will have to run for a full term.
The governor called the revelations about Schneiderman’s alleged conduct toward women “deeply shocking and deeply disturbing.”
