New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin (D), resigned Tuesday, in the wake of his Arrest in a Federal Corruption Investigation.
He was accused in an Indictment of participating in a 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. He was Released and Bail was set at $250,000.
This created a Political Crisis for Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), Seven months after she Selected Benjamin as a Partner, because he is on the Primary Ballot for the Election in June.
Benjamin was the State’s Second Black Lieutenant Governor. During his State Legislature career, he emphasized Criminal Justice Reform and Affordable Housing. His District included most of Central Harlem, where he was Born, and raised by Caribbean Immigrant Parents.
Een though Benjamin has stepped down, his Name will almost certainly be on the Ballot. New Yorl's Democratic Party already Nominated him as their Candidate, which he accepted in mid-February. The Deadline for turning down the Nomination passed on February 25th.
He could be Disqualified from Running, if he left the State, and established Residency in another State.
Sarah Steiner, an Election Attorney in New York. “If you don’t live in the state, you can’t run in the state.”
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
No comments:
Post a Comment