Paterson: The Only Way I'll Be Leaving Office Is In A Box

New York Gov. David Paterson's (D) poll numbers are in the tank, and he's fighting rumors yet-unpublished New York Times investigation that, some have speculated, will bring damaging revelations about his personal conduct. The New York Post has published suggestions of Paterson's alleged womanizing, and Paterson has hit back, criticizing the media for printing "callous and sleazy" allegations about him.

But at a Tuesday press conference, Paterson said he's written to the NY Times suggesting he's being slandered--and that he won't be resigning his post as governor any time soon.

"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. The Atlantic Wire's John Hudson catches video of Paterson's press conference.

Chances are good that Paterson will be defeated at said ballot box in November: he trails prospective Democratic challenger Andrew Cuomo, the state's attorney general, by an average of 62.1% to 21.1% in polls, and if Cuomo should decide not to run against him, Paterson trails another potential big-name challenger, Republican Rudy Giuliani, 56% to 34.6%. Paterson could beat former GOP Rep. Rick Lazio (who has actually announced a bid): Paterson trails Lazio by an average of 43.2% to 41%.

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/02/paterson-the-only-way-ill-be-leaving-office-is-in-a-box/35684/