Before someone digs up any dirt on Gov. David A. Paterson’s past he is going ahead and laying his cards out on the table. He held a press conference today admitting that he had a few jump-offs [plural, shawty] in the past, including one who is on the state payroll.
I haven’t broken any laws,” Mr. Paterson said, flatly denying that he had ever used any campaign money in connection with the affairs. “I don’t think I’ve violated my oath of office. I would never use campaign funds for that purpose.”
Mr. Paterson said that he and his wife had sought counseling and had since resolved their marital problems. “Actually,” he said, “I think we have a marriage like many Americans, maybe even like many of you.”
Mr. Paterson did most of the talking during the news conference. But twice Mrs. Paterson spoke in a hushed, soft voice. “There’s no marriage that’s perfect,” she said at one point.
By midmorning, word of Mr. Paterson’s admissions had filtered through the Capitol. And once again, the state’s top political leaders found themselves fielding questions about how the state could weather the personal crisis of a governor.
Senator Joseph L. Bruno, the majority leader, said the Patersons’ marital problems were nobody’s business but their own as he brushed off suggestions that the affair threatened to interfere with the state’s business.
“His personal life is his personal life and he has to share what he’s comfortable sharing,” Mr. Bruno told reporters this morning. “And as long as it doesn’t interfere with how he’s governing, its nobody’s business. David is able to handle himself. He’s always been a good friend and handled himself properly, and I expect he will continue to handle himself properly.”
Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the State Assembly, said he admired Mr. Paterson’s courage in admitting the infidelity and suggested that the couple’s past problems, which he called “a nice story,” could serve as an inspiration to other couples who find their marriages imperiled.
“He basically said: ‘Here are the facts. It’s not an uncommon occurrence in people’s lives when marriages are failing, and this is how we worked it out,’ ” Mr. Silver said. “I think it should be a message to people who maybe find themselves in similar circumstances.” [source]
Ike Turner will have the stage, but not the day, when he performs in St. Louis in September.
