In response to tonight’s stunning video showing Andrew Cuomo secretly attending a fundraiser this evening for the Independent Democratic Conference that he claimed he had disbanded, Cynthia Nixon released the following statement:

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, this evening’s video just says five: Andrew Cuomo cannot quit Republicans.

Gov. Cuomo looked New Yorkers in the eye last week and claimed he was finally stopping his support of the group that handed Republicans control of the senate. And then tonight, he was caught on camera going back on his word, and secretly attending a fundraiser for them.

When it comes to the policies he pursues, the aides he hires, and the politicians he supports, Andrew Cuomo prefers Republicans. That might make his corporate and billionaire donors happy, but it doesn’t help New Yorkers have better schools, health care, jobs or public transportation that actually works.”

THE WEEK THAT WAS: ANDREW CUOMO & THE SECRET IDC FUNDRAISER APPEARANCE

April 9: Five Days After Striking A Deal To Unite Senate Democrats, The IDC Sent Out A Fundraising Appeal For Their Conference. According to the Buffalo News, “Five days after a deal was struck to unite Senate Democrats after years of internecine warfare, would-be donors were being reminded Monday of a fundraiser this week to fund the campaign operations of the defunct Independent Democratic Conference. The fundraising appeal helped to spread speculation, especially on social media sites, that the unification arrangement announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has some work still to go. ‘Please join in a reception honoring the Independent Democratic Conference,’ says the invitation that was sent to potential donors for the fundraiser Wednesday night at a park in northern Manhattan. The minimum entry fee is $1,000, with those giving $5,000 getting to call themselves a ‘sponsor’ of the event.” [Buffalo News, 4/10/18]

While The Senate Democrats Re-Unified, Cuomo Said He “Didn’t Know” If He Was Expected To Speak At An IDC Fundraiser The Following Week. According to a tweet by Spectrum News’ Zack Fink, “.@NYGovCuomo is scheduled to speak at this Thursday night, although when asked about this directly last week Cuomo said he “didn’t know” if he was expected to speak.” [Twitter, ZackFinkNews, 4/9/18]