Cuomo creates panel to investigate New York Legislature

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has established a powerful investigative body to examine the state Board of Elections and potential wrongdoing by legislators in campaign fundraising.

Cuomo outlined the panel this morning at the state capitol.

Cuomo announced his attentions two weeks ago after abandoning efforts this year at legislative reforms. That followed federal bribery and embezzlement charges filed against several state lawmakers.

The committee, established under New York’s anti-corruption Moreland Act, will have subpoena power and go after the influence of campaign contributions.

Similar panels ordered by governors over decades have resulted in lengthy corruption probes and arrests.

The commission is chaired by Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Syracuse District Attorney William Fitzpatrick and attorney Milton Williams. It includes prosecutors, lawyers, State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico and New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.