Dem. Officials: Paterson dropping race

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Developing news out of Albany Friday afternoon as Democratic officials say Governor David Paterson is dropping out of the November race.

The Associated Press is reporting that David Paterson is out of the governor's race.

Democratic officials in Washington tell AP they got the word Friday. But, there is still no official word from Governor Paterson.

As late as Thursday night, Governor Paterson was saying he had no plans to abandon his campaign to seek a full term this fall.

"I'm not suspending my campaign, but I am talking to a number of elected officials around the state, as I would, fellow democrats, to hear their opinion," Paterson said Thursday night.

But Friday morning, it was widely reported the Governor has now told Democratic leaders he will drop his election bid. Even Friday night he was indicating he would give major consideration to what these leaders might recommend.

A reporter asked Paterson if he'd consider democrats opinions on suspending his campaign, Paterson answered, " Well, I'm obviously listening to them. I've got an open mind about this thing. I want the democrats to win in November."

The Governor's latest troubles stem from a scandal involving his senior aid David Johnson, who was allegedly involved in a violent choking incident with his former girlfriend.

Press reports indicate the governor has admitted talking to the woman on the phone and that also talked to the woman, who then did not show up in court to seek an order of protection.

Thursday, one of the governor's cabinet members, Denise O'Donnell of Buffalo, resigned from her position as Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, saying she found the actions by the governor and State Police "unacceptable."

O'Donnell said she had been misled by State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt.

"I think it's unconscionable that the Superintendent knew that the State Police was basically interfering in the judicial process and trying to undermine a woman who was a victim of domestic violence," said political analyst Bill DiBlasio.

The governor has refused to publicly address the details of the case. He asked Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to open an investigation, which is now underway.

News 4 is awaiting word from the governor's office now. His reported decision not to run paves the way for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to run for the Democratic nomination for Governor.