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Paterson: Spitzer's Resignation Ruined My 'Grand Plan'

Rachel Slajda | September 24, 2009, 9:40AM

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Gov. David Paterson (D-NY)

Andrew Cuomo, Barack Obama, David Paterson, Democrats

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New York Gov. David Paterson had other plans when he campaigned as Eliot Spitzer's running mate -- and they didn't involve being governor.

"I did not sign up for this," Paterson said yesterday, reports the New York Times. "I wanted to be lieutenant governor. I had this grand plan that Hillary Clinton was going to become president. Maybe the governor would appoint me to the Senate."

Alas, Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal, thrusting Paterson into the top job. Yet Paterson is running in next year's gubernatorial election, over the reported objections of President Obama.

Paterson has so far refused to step aside. But, he said yesterday, "if I got to a point where I thought that my candidacy was hurting my party, obviously it would be rather self-absorbed to go forward."

During his remarks, Paterson accused associates of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo of leaking the story that the White House was trying to dissuade Paterson from running.

Paterson was speaking at a lunch event with the New York State Associated Press Association in Syracuse.

In another twist, Politico reports that lawmakers in Albany and Washington requested Obama's intervention.

Two senior Democratic officials said members of the U.S. House met with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in closed-door meetings to tell him they wanted Paterson out.

State legislators also laud the president's decision.

"Clearly, the situation in New York is unusual and requires leadership at a greater level than anyone in New York can provide," said state Rep. Dan Maffei. "I, for one, welcome the president's involvement."

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tomanjeri

September 24, 2009 10:16 AM

> "I did not sign up for this," Paterson said

Good, then leave, because frankly, you suck as Governor.

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Walter Mitty

September 24, 2009 10:23 AM

It sounds to me like Paterson just named his price. He'll step aside, but he wants an administration job. Also interesting that he indicates he had designs on the Senate gig, given that h named unknown Gillibrand - did he have designs on her failing in order to leave him an opening?

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maven81

September 24, 2009 10:34 AM

Great, worthless, and a weasel. This is the equivalent of someone joining the military because they are convinced they will have a harmless desk job and slowly rise through the ranks. Then they get sent into battle and yell hey I never signed up for this! You didn't say there would be actual shooting involved!

The sooner we get rid of him the better.

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ru4862

September 24, 2009 10:37 AM

OPEN LETTER TO ALL:

The man is doing the best he can considering the mess he inherited from Pataki, Spitzer scandal and the dysfunctional NY state Assembly and House.
The vitriol and content from for Paterson on this thread is concerning and troubling.

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maven81

September 24, 2009 10:47 AM in reply to ru4862

You can't be serious. He openly admits that he was unprepared to do the job of governor if called upon (a surprise to no one I might add). He also openly admits that it was a scam designed to result in a power grab through a series of favors. And you defend him? Fine if that doesn't phase you let's look at his record as governor. Oh right, there isn't anything good to say about that either.

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ru4862

September 24, 2009 10:51 AM in reply to maven81

Maven,

Where are you from?

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maven81

September 24, 2009 11:34 AM in reply to ru4862

Queens, NYC.

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ru4862

September 24, 2009 10:41 AM

PEN LETTER TO ALL:

The man is doing the best he can considering the mess he inherited from Pataki, the Spitzer scandal and the dysfunctional NY state Assembly and Senate. The vitriol and content for Paterson on this thread is concerning and troubling.

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hewhohasnoname

September 24, 2009 11:04 AM

This sounds like Paterson is laying the groundwork to step aside, which I think he will do ultimately. Saying that it was never your plan to be governor and that you wouldn't be "self-absorbed" in the matter suggests a strong shift toward finding the most graceful exit possible.

By the way, NYT scooped Politico on the requests from NY Democratic lawmakers wanting the White House to intervene; NYT reported that tidbit more than a MONTH ago!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/nyregion/11dems.html

excerpt:
"Mr. Paterson’s dismal standing has led prominent New York Democrats to informally approach White House officials behind the scenes about possibly finding a political appointment for the governor if his poll numbers do not improve.

'At this point, people are brainstorming about how to give the governor a dignified exit,' said one Democratic leader directly involved in the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the subject."

Paterson bucked the pleas of Democrats in his state, so the White House, which according to article had been monitoring the situation, stepped in. But, it should be noted that the leak of the White House's involvement was not likely the WH's doing. It was probably the work of these NY Democrats who were frustrated that Paterson had rebuffed their initial pleas that he not run for election. It's simply hardball politics aimed at preserving as many Democrats in NY as possible. It's not personal.

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