Scandal prompts Paterson to drop election bid

After facing more scrutiny and scandals than even Richard Nixon encountered during his presidency, New York Governor David Paterson has decided not to run for reelection after allegations surfaced earlier this week concerning his involvement in a violent domestic dispute between the governor's longtime adviser David Johnson and a woman, according to Democratic officials.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Paterson had called the alleged victim prior to one of her key court appearances in the case. The unidentified woman also reportedly told investigators that State Police had been “calling me and harassing me to drop the charges.” Paterson's office has acknowledged he talked to the woman but says she placed the call. A spokeswoman for the governor also denied allegations that Paterson had tried to keep the woman from pursuing domestic violence charges against Johnson.

In regards to the incident, the woman reportedly told police Johnson “choked her, stripped her of much of her clothing, smashed her against a mirrored dresser and taken two telephones from her to prevent her from calling for help.”

Paterson formally announced his campaign just five days ago but had already faced mounting calls from Democrats to drop out of the race in the midst of controversy that had arisen from a previous New York Times article claiming that he had often been off duty and hard to contact during many of the most important moments of his governorship.

Paterson became governor in 2008, after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in a high-priced prostitution scandal. Paterson's decision to step down will allow Attorney General Andrew Cuomo a shot at running for the governorship unopposed. Paterson currently holds an approval rating of 26 percent, which is the lowest point in the 27 years of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion poll that conducted the study.

Paterson is expected to announce his decision not to run for reelection later today.

Gov. Paterson: the only way I am leaving office is in a box

It looks as though New York State has another governor who can't keep his hands to himself. Media outlets are reporting that the New York Times is working on a story concerning Gov. David Paterson's alleged "womanizing". While his poll numbers continue to tank, Paterson said in a press conference Tuesday that the only way he is leaving office is in a "box".

"The only way I'm not gonna be governor next year is at the ballot box, and the only way that I'll be leaving office before is in a box," Paterson said in a press conference addressing the allegations.

Media outlets have reported that when the New York Times story hits it will be so "explosive" that Paterson will be forced to resign the office. Paterson and his wife both previously admitted to infidelity after Paterson took office amid allegations of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's involvement in a high-priced prostitution scandal. The article is believed to provide an array of instances of the governor fondling women, including some aids inside the governor's mansion.

Paterson has called the rumors a "callous and sleazy" assault on his character and has promised that they won't stop him from serving out the remainder of his term and seeking reelection - Paterson currently trails Democratic opponent - state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo - in opinion polls and has raised only $3 million for his campaign compared to Cuomo's $16 million.

Paterson's approval ratings have hit new lows as of late, including one poll showing him at 26 percent last week. President Obama has also asked him not to seek a second term in office.

I think it is time for the governor to step aside and let someone with a little more self-control assume office.