NY Times Gives Advice to Next New York AG: ‘Be a Decent Human Being’

The New York Times editorial board ran a scathing editorial Monday night after the stunning downfall of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman amid physical abuse allegations by four women.

Schneiderman, who built a reputation as a champion for women in light of the #MeToo movement, announced his resignation over allegations that he physically abused women just three hours after the New Yorker published the bombshell story.

The New York Times editorial board weighed in later, calling on the New York legislature to practice due diligence in finding Schneiderman’s replacement. Under New York State law, the New York General Assembly and Senate must jointly appoint Schneiderman’s replacement until a special election can be held to permanently replace him.

“Anyone involved in the effort to replace Mr. Schneiderman should remember: No one is above the law,” the Times editorial board wrote Monday night. “Whoever serves in this important office should be tough and independent, willing to stand up to Mr. Trump and [New York Gov. Andrew] Cuomo and — it should go without saying, but now it needs to be said — be a decent human being.”

Schneiderman joins a growing list of disgraced New York State elected government officials.

In 2008, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal. Three years later, former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner resigned after admitting to sending lewd photographs of himself to women.

“Mr. Schneiderman joins a sorry list of once-rising stars in New York’s Democratic Party whose careers imploded amid allegations of personal misconduct,” the Times said. “As was the case with those men, the resignation of Mr. Schneiderman could have far-reaching consequences.”

Spitzer avoided serving any prison time but Weiner is currently serving out a 21-month prison term for sexting a minor. It is unclear whether Schneiderman will face charges for his alleged misconduct. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said it is investigating the allegations.

[image via screengrab]

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