Gov. David Paterson Ends Campaign

MYFOXNY.COM - Gov. David Paterson, Democrat of New York, ended his campaign Friday for election to a full term.

Support for Paterson's campaign has been waning because of his low popularity as well as disturbing revelations about his possible involvement and the State Police's possible involvement in a top aide's domestic abuse case.

Paterson said that until the last few days, he had looked forward to seeking a full four-year term in order to continue tackling the state problems.

"But I am being realistic about politics," the governor said. "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. Therefore there are times in politics when you have to know not to strive for service, but to step back. And that moment has come for me."

Paterson said he looks forward to a full investigation into his actions and the actions of his administration in connection with the domestic violence claims made against his top aide, David W. Johnson.

At one point during his statement, the governor raised his right hand and offered a "personal oath."

"I have never abused my office," Paterson said. "Not now, not ever."

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, a candidate to replace Paterson on the ballot, has said his office is investigating.

"I am sure this is a difficult choice and a sad day for the Governor and his family," Cuomo said in a statement. "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."

Cuomo was cagey about his plans to run for governor. He said he would announce his plans "at the appropriate time" and will focus on being attorney general.

"I'm sure that he could have continued his campaign, but he did the right thing," said Jay Jacobs, the state Democratic party chairman, according to the AP. "We will not have a divisive primary at the top of the ticket."

Paterson said he will not resign before the end of his term, despite calls for him to do so from some elected officials as well as newspaper editorials.

In fall 2009, a woman went to court in the Bronx to seek an order of protection against Johnson, an aide to the governor, but days before her last court date she got a phone call from Paterson himself, according to the woman's lawyer, as first reported by the New York Times.

The woman also complained that a state trooper from the governor's personal security detail visited her about her allegations.

After the phone call with the governor, the woman did not appear for her next court hearing. As a result her case was dismissed, her lawyer said.

Paterson has suspended Johnson without pay until Cuomo completes his investigation.

Paterson took office when disgraced former Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned following revelations he had sex with a prostitute.