Spokeswoman: Gov. Paterson Won't Resign
On Monday an angry Gov. David Paterson denied speculation that he is about to resign.
This came in the face of reports that the New York Times is preparing an unflattering piece about the governor.
In a state known for its odd political developments this is right up there in the top 10 list. Not only has no story yet been published, Paterson lashed back at what he called an "orchestrated, scandalous assault on his character."
The governor said it's all false.
Paterson's spokeswoman said there is "zero truth" to reports that the state's chief executive is about to resign following what some suggest will be an unflattering piece about him in the Times.
And although there has been no report in the newspaper, it's what all the politicians are talking about.
Even Sen. Charles Schumer was asked Monday about Paterson's competence to run the state.
"From my perspective the major thing I work on with the governor is bringing money back from Washington to New York. Right now we're in the middle of trying to get FMAP put as part of the legislative agenda. FMAP is Medicaid relief. It's the best way we can help New York. And the governor and I are working very well together on that issue," Schumer said.
Republican Rick Lazio said the Times has a "moral obligation" to either print the story or "stop the psychological warfare on Gov. Paterson."
A spokeswoman for the Times, Diane McNulty, said the paper is not going to comment.
Meanwhile, as questions about the unproven accusations continued to swirl, Paterson met privately with key Democratic leaders about his plans.
Paterson campaign spokesman Richard Fife said the weekend meetings and calls had nothing to do with the accusations but were "routine re-election campaign calls."
"The governor started making calls two weeks ago to step up his campaign effort and get ready to officially announce his re-election campaign," Fife said. "The calls were -- and are -- going well ... And then look what happens -- a coordinated effort to stop him and spread rumors."
A Democrat close to the situation, though, said the meetings included discussions about whether Paterson would resign or announce he will not run because of the unsubstantiated claims.
One recent New York Post article about the accusations drew a denial by Paterson's spokeswoman.
"Perpetrating lies about the governor, his family and troopers who diligently perform their duties is a disservice to the citizens of New York," said state police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt, a career trooper appointed to the top post by Paterson.
"I've never seen the rumor of a story becoming the story as this one has," said Doug Muzzio, politics professor at New York City's Baruch College.
This came in the face of reports that the New York Times is preparing an unflattering piece about the governor.
In a state known for its odd political developments this is right up there in the top 10 list. Not only has no story yet been published, Paterson lashed back at what he called an "orchestrated, scandalous assault on his character."
The governor said it's all false.
Paterson's spokeswoman said there is "zero truth" to reports that the state's chief executive is about to resign following what some suggest will be an unflattering piece about him in the Times.
And although there has been no report in the newspaper, it's what all the politicians are talking about.
Even Sen. Charles Schumer was asked Monday about Paterson's competence to run the state.
"From my perspective the major thing I work on with the governor is bringing money back from Washington to New York. Right now we're in the middle of trying to get FMAP put as part of the legislative agenda. FMAP is Medicaid relief. It's the best way we can help New York. And the governor and I are working very well together on that issue," Schumer said.
Republican Rick Lazio said the Times has a "moral obligation" to either print the story or "stop the psychological warfare on Gov. Paterson."
A spokeswoman for the Times, Diane McNulty, said the paper is not going to comment.
Meanwhile, as questions about the unproven accusations continued to swirl, Paterson met privately with key Democratic leaders about his plans.
Paterson campaign spokesman Richard Fife said the weekend meetings and calls had nothing to do with the accusations but were "routine re-election campaign calls."
"The governor started making calls two weeks ago to step up his campaign effort and get ready to officially announce his re-election campaign," Fife said. "The calls were -- and are -- going well ... And then look what happens -- a coordinated effort to stop him and spread rumors."
A Democrat close to the situation, though, said the meetings included discussions about whether Paterson would resign or announce he will not run because of the unsubstantiated claims.
One recent New York Post article about the accusations drew a denial by Paterson's spokeswoman.
"Perpetrating lies about the governor, his family and troopers who diligently perform their duties is a disservice to the citizens of New York," said state police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt, a career trooper appointed to the top post by Paterson.
"I've never seen the rumor of a story becoming the story as this one has," said Doug Muzzio, politics professor at New York City's Baruch College.
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