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Cuomo Reviewing Espada Son’s New State Senate Gig (Updated)

Cuomo: He’s always watching.

It might have been shameless and politically stupid, but did Senate Democrats break the law when they created a $120,000-a-year sinecure for the son of coup leader Pedro Espada? That’s the question before Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, according to a high-ranking official in his office. “The attorney general’s office has been considering the legality of the appointment since it first came to light on Monday. We’re considering very closely the legal issues related to the hiring,” the official told New York. Earlier today, a Republican candidate for governor, Rick Lazio, called on Cuomo to investigate the Senate’s hiring of Espada’s son, Pedro G. Espada, a former City Council member and assemblyman, as “deputy director of intergovernmental relations.” The Cuomo aide said state lawyers are trying to determine if Senator Espada violated the Public Officers Law, which prohibits legislators from engaging in nepotism. The office may need a referral from another body, like the Legislative Ethics Commission, according to the official.

Update: We hear from a Senate source that Pedro G. Espada will resign. More on that when we can confirm it.
Update 7:30pm: The Post is reporting that he’s “quitting.”
Update 8pm:: A spokesperson for Senate Democrats confirms to Daily Intel that Pedro G. Espada will be resigning tomorrow.

Cuomo Reviewing Espada Son’s New State Senate Gig (Updated)