Paterson Won’t Resign, New York Governor’s Spokeswoman Says
New York Gov. David Paterson on Monday lashed back at what he called a “callous and sleazy” assault on his character in statehouse rumors and media reports that include accusations about womanizing and drug use, allegations he flatly denied.
The Democratic governor told The Associated Press that the media and New York politics have hit new lows, but that the situation won’t stop him from serving in office or seeking election to a full term in the fall.
He cited as fabricated a Jan. 30 New York Post report that he was caught by state police in the mansion with a woman other than his wife. He said the room in which he was reportedly caught doesn’t even exist.
“We stand by our reporting,” Post spokeswoman Suzi Halpin said.
The rumors about Paterson’s personal conduct have been circulating in Albany – and sometimes appearing online and in newspaper reports – at a crucial moment in the governor’s career. His popularity has fallen precipitously, but he has vowed to run for re-election, even though many Democrats would prefer the state attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, to run in his place.
Washington Democrats have sent a clear message that Paterson should step aside for Cuomo. They are concerned that a weak top of the ticket could hurt other Democrats, including Kirsten Gillibrand, whom Paterson appointed to fill the seat vacated when Hillary Rodham Clinton became secretary of state.
In his interview with the AP, Paterson would address most allegations only broadly but denied all sexual relationships and drug use that are among the accusations.
He said he hasn’t been involved sexually with another woman since he and his wife separated more than a decade ago, an admission he made upon taking office 23 months ago. He also said he hasn’t used drugs since his early 20s.
Paterson said the rumors have portrayed him as a fan of frequent partying, but he said that aside from fundraisers and official functions, he doesn’t go out much – and noted that he has eaten away from home or outside the executive mansion in Albany only five times in his tenure.
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