Sean Hannity to leave New York over Cuomo comments

Lifelong New Yorker Sean Hannity has just about had it with what he says is an unwelcome atmosphere to conservatives, thanks to recent comments from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Last week, Cuomo said there is "no place in the state of New York" for "extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay," and the conservative talk show host is taking him literally.

"I want you to know that and I can’t wait to get out of here," Hannity said on his show Monday. "I really can’t."

"I don’t want to pay their 10-percent state tax anymore," he said. "I live in the second-highest property taxed county in the entire country in Nassau County. I can’t wait to sell my house to somebody who wants it. I can’t wait to pay no state income tax down in Florida or Texas. I haven’t decided yet, but I’m leaning Florida because I like the water and I like to fish.”

Hannity, who has hosted a radio show in New York since the 1990s and employs more than 100 people, made sure to tell Cuomo what he was losing.

“Gov. Cuomo, I’m going to leave and I’m taking all of my money with me -- every single solitary penny,” he said. “And by the way governor, because I work here -- there’s a whole bunch of people that work for me and benefit because I do two shows. And I guess maybe some of them will be out of work, governor. I’m sure you’ll take care of them.”

Hannity wasn't the only one miffed by Cuomo's comments, which he said had been misconstrued. In a statement released by his office Tuesday, which released the full transcript of his interview, the governor clarified that his statements referred specifically to conservatives being unable to win state-wide office in New York, not that citizens who hold conservative beliefs would be unwelcome.

"It is clear that the Governor was making the observation that an extreme right candidate cannot win statewide because this is a politically moderate state (either moderate Republican or moderate Democratic)," the statement said, slamming a headline in the New York Post. "In the same response, the Governor went on to say 'it is fine to be anti-gun control, and anti-choice' -- as he respects both positions."

Hannity has also tempered his position since making his initial statements, acknowledging that it would be irresponsible to just abandon the people in his employ.

"As soon as I am able, probably sometime when my son graduates from high school, I'm getting out of here as quick as I can," Hannity told Greta Van Susteren.

Hannity's son is 15, so if he does indeed leave, it won't be for a few years yet.

[Office of the NY Governor] [New York Post]