Libous: Silver May Not Survive Payoff Case

Thomas Libous, the deputy majority leader of the New York State Senate, says Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver "may not survive" the controversy surrounding a secret $103,000 payoff to settle sexual harassment allegations involving a Brooklyn lawmaker.

Speaking on WNBF's Binghamton Now program, Libous said Silver has "a lot to be accountable" for regarding the deal involving Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

Silver has come under fire from some other state lawmakers and good government groups for approving the deal, which was supposed to be kept confidential.

Libous said Lopez should resign from the Assembly but he isn't calling for Silver to quit.

The Binghamton Republican said "it's a little premature" for him to urge Silver to resign.

Libous said he wants to wait to find out what additional information emerges from investigations into the matter.

Libous said based on what's known now, "it's serious stuff."