One prominent Republican has already abandoned State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was arrested Monday morning on corruption charges.
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino — the GOP’s gubernatorial candidate last year — said Skelos must step down given the severity of the charges filed by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Skelos is the top Republican in Albany.
“I am confident that Senator Dean Skelos will do the right thing and promptly resign his leadership position. That is the noble course of action, and I know he will take it,” Astorino said in a statement.
He said Skelos and his son, Adam, should focus on their criminal defense.
“Many call this year’s historic turmoil in Albany a distraction from the people’s business. I disagree. I believe it is the eventual pathway to the people’s business, which has been hijacked for decades by self dealing and special interest deal-making in the hallways and backrooms of Albany,” Astorino said.
In February, former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was indicted on corruption charges and surrendered his leadership post.