The accused crooks must go!
State GOP chairman Ed Cox and other leaders today demanded that Bronx Republican Party chairman Jay Savino and Queens party power broker Vincent Tabone quit their leadership posts after being charged in the Malcolm Smith corruption scandal. The feds allege the duo accepted bribes as a part of a scheme to deliver GOP support for Democrat Smith’s mayoral bid.
“In light of the criminal charges revealed yesterday by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, I call upon Bronx County Chairman Jay Savino and Queens County Vice-Chairman Vincent Tabone to resign from all of their party offices, effective immediately,” Cox said.
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“As elected officers of the Republican Party, Chairman Savino and Vice-Chairman Tabone were entrusted to act in the best interest of the people of the city and state of New York. They have violated that interest and must resign.”
Under state party rules, Cox can removed Savino, the Bronx party chairman, if he doesn’t step down. But only Queens GOP has the authority to oust Tabone, the party vice chairman, sources said.
“That has to happen to restore the integrity of the Republican Party,” said GOP consultant Jessica Proud.
Queens GOP County chairman Phil Ragusa will ask for Tabone’s resignation, a source said.
Meanwhile Manhattan GOP chairman Dan Isaacs insisted he acted appropriately in his dealings with Malcolm Smith.
The criminal complaint includes transcript of wiretaps of Tabone boasting to the cooperating witnesss that he could deliver’s Isaacs support to Smith.
“Because Manhattan is the easiest. The (New York County Republican Party chairman) is,” the cooperator recalls Tabone saying.
Responded Isaacs: “I would never accept bribes or engage in illegal behavior.”
Isaacs declined comment when asked if he was cooperating or provided evidence in the case.