Toe Painting 101 and Human Lollipops; Another NYS Legislative Scandal

So much for the Bear Mountain Compact (what happens in Albany, stays in Albany). It's been dead for several years now as a result of several high profile sex scandals and sexual assaults. This latest story just reiterates the mess in Albany.

Racy emails between a Buffalo Assemblyman and his then 19-year old intern have raised questions as to whether the Assemblyman, Sam Hoyt (D), engaged in an affair with the intern. He's thus far denied the allegation, but the emails have definitely raised eyebrows:

In a statement last night, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, a Buffalo Democrat and father of two, did not deny that the e-mails, posted on PoliticsNY.net, were his.

But he rejected the blog's contention that he had affairs with two legislative interns, relationships that would violate Assembly rules implemented in May 2004.

In a November 2003 e-mail to the then-19-year-old titled "What I wish..." Hoyt wrote of "painting your toenails right now" and hoping that "I could see you do that little cheerleader move."

He also wished that "I could be modeling my cool penguin boxers for you tonight," and that "I could tell you in person that no woman has ever done for me physically what you do for me."

In a June 2004 e-mail written after the anti-fraternization policy was in effect, Hoyt tried to set up a tryst, saying he chose being with her over going to Buffalo.

Things turned ugly days later when the woman wrote a scathing e-mail to Hoyt asking, "How many girlfriends do you have exactly??? I hate you. I knew you were lying but I was so stupid."

The legislature enacted an anti-fraternization policy because of improprieties in the Legislature, including the Speaker's adviser Michael Boxley, who was indicted on rape charges but pleaded to a lesser charge of sexual misconduct. That incident still hasn't closed entirely, as another of Boxley's victims is now running against Silver for his seat.