The Governor's Box

By Jahaka Mindstorm

Two weeks ago he said the only way he would leave office would be to be voted out or to leave "in a box." Yet for New York Governor David Paterson, the "box" apparently arrived early - in the form of a domestic abuse scandal and allegations Paterson may have "abused his power" with telephone intercession.

Bottom line - New York's first black governor may also be the last for awhile, as last Friday Paterson officially back away from plans to seek reelection. "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," the governor said. "And right now, New York state needs a leader who can devote full time to this service,"

Paterson made the announcement from his Manhattan office with wife Michelle at his side. He is under investigation, led by erstwhile rival and current Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, for contacting a woman who accused one of Paterson's top aides of domestic violence. A story in the New York Times reported that Paterson directed two employees to contact the woman, apparently to convince her to drop charges against Paterson's aide.

"I am being realistic about politics," he said, concerning his decision not to seek reelection. "It hasn't been the latest distraction; it's been an accumulation of obstacles that has obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public.

"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. "Today, I am announcing that I am ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York."

The embattled executive has had to deal with record low approval ratings during his term, often in response to tough budgetary decisions made as part of his on-going effort to plug the hemorrhaging state budget.

Unsurprisingly, some of Paterson's foes are already calling for his resignation, especially if the investigation turns up evidence of wrong-doing. However, analysts were surprised when New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said Paterson should resign: "if all the allegations of the abuse of power are true, then the governor will be unable to govern and will have to step down," she said.

Gillibrand owes her current status to Paterson, who appointed her to fill the vacant position left when former senator Hilary Clinton accepted the Secretary of State position in President Barack Obama's cabinet.

However, Paterson said he looks forward to the conclusion of this investigation: "I give you this personal oath," said the governor, with his right hand held in the air. "I have never abused my office. Not now. Not ever. And I believe that when the facts are reviewed, the truth will prevail."

From what has already been reported, Sherr-una Booker made abuse allegations against David Johnson, the governor's top aide. A day after speaking with Paterson, Booker failed to show for a court appearance and that matter was dropped.

However, some Democrats say stopping the campaign isn't enough and believe Paterson should step down immediately. "If the investigation turns out the way many suspect, his resignation is almost inevitable," said State Senator. Bill Perkins, who holds Paterson's old Harlem Senate seat. "If that is the case, then it is in the best interest of the people of New York for him to cut bait now."

The governor's decision not to seek reelection makes the road to the Governor's Mansion that much easier for Cuomo, the favorite of many Democrats, now expected to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination.

Paterson said he is committed to finishing his current term, which ends January 1st.

In other news, former Merrill Lynch executive and Tenessee Congressman Harold Ford announced he would not challenge Senator Gillibrand for Secretary Clinton's old senate seat. Despite having put in a lot of miles traveling throughout New York to drum up support for his campaign, the former pro-life and now pro-choice politician was frustrated with failed efforts to attract those for whom abortion is a key issue.

Ford officially bowed out after Naral-Pro Choice of New York wouldn't support him because, as a congressman, Ford voted to ban late-term abortions even when a mother's health is at risk.