Reports: Paterson Giving Up Election Campaign

Looks like NY's accidental Governor is going to drop his election bid, which he officially announced only last week.

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.

Paterson, who took over the state's top spot when Eliot Spitzer resigned after it was disclosed that he had sex with a prostitute, is expected to say he won't resign.

Just last night Paterson said he intended to continue his campaign, which he launched this past weekend. But he also said he would talk to fellow Democrats about his future.

I guess they told him what everyone already knew...he was dead man walking before the recent scandal hit and that being caught up in allegations of intimidating a possible victim of domestic abuse wasn't exactly going to help.

My guess is he will still wind up having to resign before all is said and done.

What's this mean for Republicans? Not much in terms of the Governor's race. Andrew Cuomo, who will be investigating Paterson now, will still win the Democratic primary and Rick Lazio will still get steamrolled by him.

It might help on the margins in some suburban state Senate districts that were formally held by Republicans but lately have been going to the Democrats. Retaking the state Senate in '10 and holding it in '12 will be very important as NY goes through its redistricting process, especially since NY is likely to lose at least one House seat.

posted by DrewM. at 10:33 AM

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