Local pols react to Paterson's decision to cancel re-election bid
Embattled New York Governor David Paterson announced last week that he is canceling his bid for reelection, just days after kicking off his campaign. While many of his colleagues in government are urging him to step down, Paterson said he has no plans to leave office.
Paterson, who assumed the governorship after the resignation of former Governor Eliot Spitzer, has had an extremely contentious tenure in office, often fighting off criticism from within his own party. His administration has been criticized for its sometimes draconian efforts to reduce the state's growing budget deficit, and even his personal life has been under intense scrutiny.
While Paterson was facing a series of mounting challenges to his reelection, the final straw seemed to have been a story broken by The New York Times implicating the governor in the use of State troopers to harass a woman who had filed for an order of protection against one of his closest advisors.
Paterson did not single out any one factor in a press conference canceling his campaign, saying only that a reelection effort would hamper his ability to bring the state back to fiscal health.
"It has become increasingly clear to me, in the last few days, that I cannot run for office and try to manage the state's business at the same time," Paterson said, standing in a formation with wife Michelle that was eerily reminiscent of the press conference that ultimately begat his rise to governor.
"I am sure this is a difficult choice and a sad day for the Governor and his family," Cuomo said. "It is in the best interests of all New Yorkers that the state government function through this difficult time and address the pressing budgetary problems we face."
Local reaction to the news was similar. State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), who represents Lakeview, agreed that addressing budgetary issues is a priority. "Paterson made the right decision," he said in a statement. "His ability to govern is totally impeded. New York State is in the most difficult financial situation in its history; solid leadership is needed immediately to control spending."
Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), whose district includes parts of Malverne and West Hempstead, expressed similar sentiment. "Governor Paterson called me and informed me that he would end his campaign for governor," Skelos said in a statement. "I believe that he made the right decision. I told him that senate Republicans were prepared to move forward on a bipartisan basis to address the budget and other pressing matters, and that hopefully the senate and assembly Democrats, unlike last year, would do so as well."
While Assemblyman Tom Alfano (R-Franklin Square), who represents West Hempstead, had no comment other than to say, "This is a Democratic party decision," fellow Malverne Assemblyman Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook) made a suggestion for Paterson's parting. "His last act should be to pass a good, sound budget that reduces costs on both our residents and small businesses," Barra said. "I think he should go out on a high note if he can."
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