Gov. Paterson to drop election bid; announcement expected

[Midnight Mike]

February 26, 2010

Gov. David Paterson has told Democratic leaders that he won't seek election to a full term amid a roiling scandal over whether he and his troopers intimidated a woman who'd reported domestic violence against one of his top aides, The Post has learned.

Paterson communicated his intentions to top advisers and supporters, saying he'll make an announcement today, multiple sources said -- confirming a Post report.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/gov_ ... D7pczxCBXL

[NIKV69]

About the smartest thing this guy has done. Good riddance.

[Gerard]

On CNN earlier they were speculating that this latest incident may bring impeachment proceedings against Paterson.

[Matt Molnar]

On CNN earlier they were speculating that this latest incident may bring impeachment proceedings against Paterson.

That would be exciting, and by exciting I mean an even bigger disaster. None of his potential successors would be without some major issues of their own.

It would naturally go to the current lieutenant governor, Richard Ravitch, who he semi-secretly swore in during dinner at Peter Luger's this past July. To Ravitch's credit, he's generally well regarded and has never been implicated in a serious scandal. But it would mean for the first time in NY history, a guy who has absolutely zero democratic legitimacy (not elected nor confirmed by the Senate) would be in charge. (There is nothing in the state constitution about the governor having the power to appoint a new lieutenant governor in the event of a vacancy...the appointment was challenged but Paterson won.)

If somehow Ravitch's stepping into the governor's seat were to be legally blocked (not sure if that is possible at this point) the governor would be the Temporary President of the Senate, Malcolm Smith, who reps southeast Queens. He's a married Catholic who was sued for paternity a few years ago by a staffer. Even better, he was recently implicated in a scam charity which raised $56,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims...the charity kept nearly all of the money.

Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada of the Bronx comes next in the line of succession. He makes David Paterson look like Mother Teresa.

I think we're best off just waiting out Paterson's term.

[hiss srq]

There should be a competency test before being allowed to vote is all this means. The average American is an idiot. I am an American citizen and I beleive it to be so. At the minimum the majority of NY's residence are idiots. Look at our goverment.

[wunaladreamin]

Ryan, you can't spell "believe" or "government" and you used "residence" in the wrong context. Guess you'll be staying home on election day! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[moose135]

The average American is an idiot. I am an American citizen and I beleive it to be so.

So are you admitting publicly to being an idiot?

[hiss srq]

Public intoxication, I plead guilty your honor. I've been keeping the company of a particular Canadian for too long I think. :lol:

[wunaladreamin]

Hey, I spent 4 years in ESL. What's your excuse? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: