Local pols react to Paterson's troubles, state's dilemma

Embattled New York Gov. David Paterson announced last week that he was ending his bid for re-election, just days after kicking off his campaign. While many of his colleagues in government are urging him to step down, Paterson said he has no plans to leave office.

Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said he thought Paterson's decision to not run for re-election was the right one. "I told [Paterson] that Senate Republicans were prepared to move forward on a bipartisan basis to address the budget and other pressing matter," Skelos said, "...and that hopefully the Senate and Assembly Democrats, unlike last year, would do so as well."

“I believe Governor Paterson made the correct decision in announcing he will not stand for election,” said Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. “While the daily stories surrounding his administration proved to be too much of a distraction, I am hopeful that with his announcement, the state will be able to get back to the business of doing the work of the residents of New York.”

State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach), who has worked with Paterson for over 20 years, said the governor was never able to achieve the bipartisan support he needed to lead effectively -— especially considering the tumultuous political and economic climate. "He's a good human being, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," Weisenberg said.

Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford (D-Long Beach) said the governor made the right choice. "I know he stepped into a tough job, and things being as they are, I think for the benefit of his party, it was good he stepped down," she said. Ford believes state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is the next logical choice for the job should he decide to run.

Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) said he thought Paterson had made some headway in the past few months, but overall, said that the governor has not been an effective leader. "Politically, he didn't seem to have any legs," Kopel said, adding that he is hoping for a good Republican administration the next time around.