NY state Assembly hires top law firm for Cuomo investigation 

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis PolkandWardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announcedonWednesday.

Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fairinvestigation,Heastie said in a statement.

Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner.

Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Assembly announcedonThursday that they would conduct an impeachment investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriatebehaviourby Cuomo, also a Democrat.

Attorney General Letitia James is also investigating claims that the governor sexually harassed or inappropriately touched several female aides.

Cuomo has denied touching any women inappropriately and has rebuffed calls for his resignation.

President Joe Biden said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him.

(With inputs from agencies)