Gov. David Paterson (D-NY) announced this afternoon that he will not seek another term in office, after the New York Times revealed his administration had intimidated a woman into dropping assault charges against a top aide.
Paterson, who took office when former Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) stepped down following a prostitution scandal, has maintained he would run despite low popularity and reports that the White House was pushing him to step down.
“Today I am announcing that I am ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York,” Paterson said.
“I am looking forward to a full investigation of actions taken by myself and my administration,” he said. “But I give you this personal oath: I have never abused my office. Not now, not ever.”
“I cannot run for office and manage the state’s business at the same time. And right now, New York State needs a leader who can devote full time to this service,” he said.
“I am being realistic about politics. It hasn’t been the latest distraction, it’s been an accumulation of obstacles that have obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public,” he said.
“For the past 25 years it has been my highest privilege to serve the people of New York,” Paterson said. “I have never forgotten my oath or my responsibility to serve the people of New York with faith and with integrity.”
