NY delegation reaction to Cohen, Manafort

Members of the New York delegation react to Michael Cohen's guilty plea and Paul Manafort's conviction.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Twitter: "My message to the president: you better not talk about pardons for Michael Cohen or Paul Manafort tonight or anytime in the future."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) statement: "The President promised to drain the swamp, instead he has brought a culture of corruption. Nobody should be above the law and the facts must be followed wherever they lead.

Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) in an interview, said "It's unusual for something campaign finance-related to be treated criminally" instead of settled in a civil action. But, "we need more detail about how the candidate pressured him [Cohen], what his direction was. And also, was Cohen under pressure by the government to take this plea?"

King said the Manafort guilty verdicts “had nothing to do” with Trump or his presidential campaign.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) in a statement: “Draining the swamp was an appealing campaign slogan. Unfortunately, the guilt of these two characters in this unfolding reality show are new additions to a conglomeration of ethical, legal and criminal breaches that have surrounded this administration. It reflects poorly on the president’s judgment and on our nation.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) on Twitter: "Serious allegation in Cohen's testimony, implicating Trump. If true, the President has changed his story, he has lied, and he has broken the law. My House GOP colleagues have hitched their wagon to a con-man's administration. Time they reconsider their blind defense."

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) in a statement: “Today’s news further exposes the pervasive culture of corruption and dishonesty that this President has long fostered. But more importantly, it makes it more clear than ever why we need to protect the Special Counsel and allow him to finish his investigation."

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was holding a fundraiser in Nissequogue with Donald Trump Jr. and not available for comment, his spokeswoman said.

With Joan Gralla

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.