David Paterson

By yrosenberg

  • Paterson Elected Lieutenant Governor

    David Paterson makes history as the first African American to hold the post of New York Lieutenant Governor. He's also legally blind. Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer says Paterson will continue to make headlines by redefining a position long considered to be ceremonial.

  • After Spitzer Resigns, Paterson Becomes Governor

    One week after the astonishing downfall of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, his lieutenant governor, David Paterson, is sworn in as New York's 55th governor. He becomes the first African-American governor in New York, and the first disabled one. Paterson is legally blind.

  • Paterson Admits to Affairs

    Less than 24 hours after taking office, Paterson acknowledges that he had several extramarital affairs, including one with a state employee.

  • Paterson Interviews Caroline Kennedy for Senate Seat

    Paterson spokeswoman Erin Duggan says the two met Saturday afternoon at the governor's Manhattan office. She refused to provide any details about the meeting. The governor has been meeting with a series of candidates for the seat that will be vacated by Hillary Clinton if she becomes Secretary of State in the Obama administration.

  • Paterson Appoints Gillibrand to Senate

    Paterson selects Kirsten Gillibrand, a little known Congresswoman who represents parts of the Hudson Valley and upstate New York, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton. His choice draws mixed reviews from around the state. Appearing with Gillibrand, Paterson apologizes for vacillating on the senate Appointment.

  • Paterson Appoints Ravitch Lt. Gov., Republicans Promise Court Action

    Paterson appoints a lieutenant governor to help end a month-long stalemate in the state Senate. The move sets off a storm of criticism, praise, and court action.

  • Court Rules Paterson's Lt. Gov Appointment Unconstitutional

    A state appeals court declares Paterson's appointment of a Lieutenant Governor unconstitutional. The judges rule that the section of law that the governor based his actions on provides no authority for him to have made the appointment.

  • NY Court Rules Paterson Can Appoint Ravitch

    In a 4-3 decision, New York’s highest court rules Paterson has the authority to appoint Richard Ravitch as his lieutenant governor.

  • Governor Vetoes Ethics Bill, Says It Does Not Go Far Enough

    Paterson vetoes the legislature's package of ethics reform, saying it "does not go far enough in addressing the corrosive effects of outside influence and internal decay," that he says plagues "Planet Albany".

  • Paterson Denounces Rumors

    Paterson came out swinging at the media today for advancing what he says are false allegations about extra-marital affairs and illegal drug use.

  • Defiant Paterson Officially Launches Campaign

    Repeatedly denouncing media reports about his job performance and personal life, the governor kicks off his campaign for a full term with an event at Hofstra University.

  • Paterson Suspends Top Aide, Calls for Investigation, in Wake of Times Report

    David Paterson has suspended David Johnson,a close aide, and called for an investigation into his own administration, following a report by The New York Times that questioned whether Paterson exerted improper influence in trying to protect the aide and avoid political embarrassment.

  • Paterson Drops Election Bid

    Paterson Drops Election Bid
    The embattled governor announces that he's withdrawing from the campaign. He insists he will serve out the remainder of his term in office. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

  • Paterson's Director of Communications Resigns

    Peter Kauffmann becomes the third member of the administration to step down, saying he can no longer "in good conscience" continue working for the governor.

  • NY Times: Paterson Helped Draft Statement for Johnson Accuser

    Citing three sources with knowledge of Paterson's role, The New York Times reports that the governor [personally helped ](Citing three sources with knowledge of Paterson's role, The New York Times reports that the governor personally helped draft a statement for the woman who accused his aide David Johnson of assault. The statement said there had been no violence in the incident. The woman, who filed a police report describing a violent encounter with Johnson last Halloween, apparently rejected the statement.)draft a statement for the woman who accused his aide David Johnson of assault. The statement said there had been no violence in the incident. The woman apparently rejected the statement.