Hochul: Lt. Gov’s arrest ‘truly a surprise’

Gov. Kathy Hochul says Brian Benjamin’s arrest on federal corruption charges Tuesday was "truly a surprise" to her.

Hochul addressed the lieutenant governor’s scandal on New York City public radio station WNYC Wednesday morning.

Hochul referred to the Brian Benjamin scandal as "unfortunate and personally disappointing" to her in the way it played out.

During a live interview on "The Brian Lehrer Show," Hochul told the host she spoke with Benjamin on Tuesday, and it was clear to both of them he couldn’t continue to serve as lieutenant governor, especially since when Hochul took office in August, she promised to change the culture in Albany politics.

As for finding a replacement, Hochul says it’s very early in the process and there are a lot of people to consider. In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will serve as interim lieutenant governor.

Hochul insists that at the time she appointed Benjamin, she had no idea about the political and legal baggage he was carrying.

Hear more about her thoughts on the process she used to pick Benjamin and what she says needs to change for the future by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.