book
(Washington DC/77WABC)-Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is asking the New York State Board of Elections to immediately investigate what “CREW” alleges is illegal use of campaign funds by NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo related to the campaign to help sell his book “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
According to their website, “CREW” targets government officials “who sacrifice the common good” for “special interests and personal gain.”
In a complaint, the text of which is fully available here, Cuomo appears to have broken the law by using his campaign to help sell his book. The complaint was filed Thursday.
The law only works when it applies to everyone, regardless of power or party. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appears to have broken the law by using his campaign to help sell his book and it must be investigated. https://t.co/YNrilEe4XO
— Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) April 2, 2021
In October of 2020, Cuomo released the book about his experiences as Governor during the COVID-19 crisis. The complaint alleges Cuomo for New York, his authorized campaign committee repeatedly promoted sales of the book on social media and in emails sent to supporters.
CREW President Noah Bookbinder said “the law is clear that you cannot spend campaign funds for your own personal benefit,” adding “because the money spent on book promotions appears to have been for the exclusive personal benefit of Governor Cuomo, he needs to be investigated.”
CREW says an email blast from the campaign about the book directed supporters to an Amazon page to order it. The bottom of the email clearly states it was “Paid for by Andrew Cuomo for New York, Inc.”
A spokesperson for the Governor’s office says no state resources were used and people volunteered their time in prompting the Governor’s book.
