Paterson will quit re-election bid

The tax and spend New York governor, David Paterson, will announce today that he will not seek re-election, after saying just the other day that would seek re-election.

Why the change of heart? 

His departure clears the way for Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who is the favorite of many Democrats, to seek the nomination unimpeded.

Cuomo's office is investigating whether Paterson and the state police improperly contacted Booker, who made the allegations against the governor's top aide, David Johnson.

A day after speaking briefly with Paterson, Booker failed to show up for a court hearing against Johnson - and the matter was dropped.

That is the cover story. The real reason is that Paterson raised taxes all over the place during a recession and the voters want his scalp. Had he tried for re-election, he would have had his clocked cleaned. 

I’ll give Andrew Cuomo two points for creating a win-win situation. He spares New Yorkers the remote possibility of a Paterson second term and vastly improves his own chances of getting elected. David Paterson was never really meant to be governor. The arrogant Elliot Spitzer picked Paterson for all the wrong reasons, never seriously considering Paterson actually having to step to the plate. New York politics is not for the timid or for amateurs. Everyone was able to eat Paterson's lunch and Cuomo is just the latest. 

Too bad New York Republicans are so flaccid and disorganized.  Given the nation's feelings towards Democrats wild spending, a serious Republican candidate could stand a good chance of getting elected, even in New York.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: New York Daily News

New York Times story on Governor Paterson maybe a firecracker rather than a bombshell

Yesterday Business Insider reported that the New York Times was about to drop a bombshell story that would lead to New York Governor David Paterson’s resignation. Well today we are now hearing from the New Yorker that the bombshell story might just turn out to be a few firecrackers: 

According to a source close to the Paterson camp who is familiar with the scope of the Times' reporting, the Times piece will be an in-depth profile of the governor focused on his personal character. There are likely to be new details about his marital infidelities, but the source added that it's not going to be the bombshell the blogs have predicted. "The piece is PG-13, not XXX," the source explained. "Not to say it won't be problematic, but the Aqueduct situation? That's potentially criminal. On his extramarital affairs, the question is who those people are, and what jobs they've held."

Paterson is a cheeky one. If the story turns out to be PG-13 with a bunch of nobodies, then you can bet Paterson won’t step down. If there is some criminal activity involved too, we may have something. Stay tuned.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The New Yorker

New York Governor, David Paterson to resign?

A juicy story is set to drop from the New York Times regarding some serious hanky panky from NY Governor David Paterson. There seems to be a little confusion as to when the story is dropping and if Paterson will resign:

From The Business Insider:

UPDATE: We spoke with a member of Governor Paterson's communications team who denies that the governor is planning to resign. The official confirmed that a New York Times story is in the works but says it will not run Monday.

Original post: This past week, a rumor emerged that the New York Times is working on a huge bombshell with plans to "Spitzerize" New York governor David Paterson.

Several media outlets have reported on these rumors.

Elizabeth Benjamin at The Daily News describes the report as "much worse" than the governor's previous admission of an affair with a state employee, though she declines to name NYT by name.

We've now heard from a single source familiar with the goings on at the Governor's office that the story will likely drop on Monday, and that the governor's resignation will follow.

We've not yet confirmed the timing of the article or the governor's future plans.

Given the governor’s poor performance and shaky re-election chances, he should resign if he did a Spitzer.  Paterson is a stubborn one so; he may just choose to tough it out. Andrew Cuomo’s chances are looking better by the minute.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Business Insider