Questions Swirl Around NY Gov Paterson
Rumors abound that New York Governor David Paterson may resign from office as early as tomorrow despite vigorous denials from the Governor’s office in Albany. In the last several weeks there have been reports in the press that the Governor was spotted “embracing” a woman in an executive mansion closet, and then “nuzzling” another woman at a restaurant.
The New York Times is rumored to be putting a major scoop together that confirms all this, and many believe it will be the final blow for the embattled Paterson. Naturally, no one at the Times is talking. Not yet, anyway.
Paterson spent much of this past weekend in consultation with a number of state Democratic leaders. His office stated that these were “routine re-election campaign calls” as he prepares his formal campaign announcement. Those who believe the rumors think these are calls to warn of the coming storm.
Yet another possibility is that Paterson will fill out his term, but simply announce that he is not going to run for re-election.
If Paterson were to resign, Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch would fill out the remainder of his term. Ravitch was appointed to his current post last year by Paterson in a move that was considered controversial by many.
Either way, considering how Paterson got the job of New York State Governor in the first place, and what we can expect from him in the coming months if he sticks around, this cannot bode well for the state. In less than a generation, New York has slid from the Empire State to fiscal basket case to tawdry soap opera. The only direction from here must be up.