New York governor drops bid for reelection
New York Gov. David Paterson has dropped his bid for reelection amid what he called “an accumulation of obstacles that have obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public,” the latest being questions regarding his administration’s possible interference in a staff member’s domestic violence case. However, Paterson said at a press conference Friday that he plans to complete his current term.
After listing several accomplishments during his time as governor, Paterson announced his decision not to run in the upcoming election, despite having looked forward to completing a full four-year term. “I am being realistic about politics,” Paterson said.
The “latest distraction” involved accusations that State Police and Paterson himself tried to intimidate a woman who had applied for temporary protection against Paterson’s longtime aide David Johnson, according to The New York Times. At Friday’s press conference, Paterson, who suspended Johnson without pay pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter, reiterated his assertion that he had done nothing wrong in the case. “I have never abused my office, not now, not ever,” Paterson said. “I believe that, when the facts are reviewed, the truth will prevail.”
Paterson also continued to resist calls for his resignation, many of which have come from fellow Democrats. “There are 308 days left in my term,” he said. “I will serve every one of them fighting for the people of New York.” However, Paterson said he could not focus on addressing the state’s problems, such as a massive budget deficit and struggling economy, while also running for office.
Watch Paterson’s announcement about dropping out of the race, and read his official statement on the Johnson investigation.
