This article is about the former Governor of New York. For other spellings and people of the same name see David Patterson (disambiguation). David Paterson Paterson at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival 55th Governor of New York In office March 17 2008  December 31 2010 Lieutenant Joseph Bruno (Acting) Dean Skelos (Acting) Malcolm Smith (Acting) Pedro Espada (Acting) Richard Ravitch Preceded by Eliot Spitzer Succeeded by Andrew Cuomo 74th Lieutenant Governor of New York In office January 1 2007  March 17 2008 Governor Eliot Spitzer Preceded by Mary Donohue Succeeded by Richard Ravitch Minority Leader of the New York Senate In office January 1 2003  January 1 2007 Preceded by Martin Connor Succeeded by Malcolm Smith New York Senator from the 30th district 29th district (19862002) In office January 1 1985  January 1 2007 Preceded by Leon Bogues Succeeded by Bill Perkins Born May 20 1954 (1954-05-20) (age 57) New York City New York Political party Democratic Party Spouse(s) Michelle Paige Children 2 Alma mater Columbia University Hofstra Law School Signature

David Alexander Paterson (born May 20 1954) is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New York from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure he was the first governor of New York of African American heritage and also the second legally blind1 governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley who was Acting Governor of Arkansas for 11 days in January 1975.2

After graduating from Hofstra Law School Paterson worked in the District Attorney's office of Queens County New York and on the staff of Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins. In 1985 he was elected to the New York State Senate to a seat that was once held by his father former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson. In 2003 he rose to the position of Senate Minority Leader. Paterson was selected as running mate by then-New York Attorney General and Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee Eliot Spitzer in the 2006 New York gubernatorial election.3 Spitzer and Paterson were elected in November 2006 with 69 percent of the vote and Paterson took office as Lieutenant Governor on January 1 2007.4

When Spitzer resigned in the wake of a prostitution scandal Paterson was sworn in as governor of New York on March 17 2008.5 Paterson launched a brief campaign for a full term as Governor in the 2010 gubernatorial election but announced on February 26 2010 that he would not be a candidate in the Democratic primary.6 Contents 1 Early life and background 2 Political career 2.1 Senate minority leader 2.2 Lieutenant Governor of New York 2.3 Governor of New York 2.3.1 First day as Governor 2.3.2 Personal revelations 2.3.3 Same-sex marriage 2.3.4 New York fiscal crisis 2.3.4.1 2008-09 executive budget 2.3.4.2 2009-10 executive budget 2.3.5 Capital punishment 2.3.6 Senate appointment 2.3.7 Appointment of new Lieutenant Governor 2.3.8 Aqueduct Race Track 2.3.9 Witness tampering and World Series tickets scandals 2.4 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign 3 Saturday Night Live controversy 4 References 5 External links Early life and background

David Paterson was born in Brooklyn to Portia Paterson a homemaker and labor law attorney Basil Paterson. Basil Paterson was later a New York state senator and secretary of state and served as deputy mayor of New York City.7 According to a New York Now interview Paterson traces his roots on his mother's side of the family to pre-Civil War African American slaves in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.8 His father is half Afro-Jamaican. His paternal grandmother Evangeline Rondon Paterson (19001985)9 was secretary to Black Nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. His paternal grandfather was Leonard James Paterson (18941968)10 a native of St. George's Grenada11 who arrived in the United States aboard the S.S. Vestris on May 16 1917.12 Paterson has recentlywhen undergone genetic genealogy testing. His father's side consists of ancestors from England Ireland and Scotland while his mother's side includes European ancestry as well as the Guinea-Bissau region of West Africa.13

At the age of three months Paterson contracted an ear infection which spread to his optic nerve leaving him with no sight in his left eye and severely limited vision in his right.714 Since New York City public schools would not guarantee him an education without placing him in special education classes his family bought a home in the Long Island suburb of South Hempstead so that he could attend mainstream classes there. Paterson was the first disabled student in the Hempstead public schools graduating from Hempstead High School in 1971.15161718

Paterson received a BA in history from Columbia University in 1977 and a law degree from Hofstra Law School in 1983.15 After law school he went to work for the Queens District Attorney's Office but did not pass the New York bar examination and did not become an Attorney at law. He attributed his failing the New York bar to insufficient accommodation for his visual impairment and has since advocated for changes in bar exam procedures.17

While he was governor Paterson's staff read documents to him over voice mail. Paterson was the first governor of New York to be partly blind.19 Political career Main articles: Early political career of David Paterson and Electoral history of David Paterson

In 1985 Paterson resigned from the Queens District Attorney's office so he could join the campaign of then city clerk David Dinkins to win the Democratic nomination for Manhattan Borough President. That summer on August 6 state senator Leon Bogues died and Paterson sought and obtained the Democratic party nomination for the seat. In mid-September a meeting of 648 Democratic committee members on the first ballot gave Paterson 58% of the vote giving him the party nomination. That October Paterson won the virtually uncontested special State Senate election.2021 At the time the 29th Senate district covered the Manhattan neighborhoods of Harlem Manhattan Valley and the Upper West Side the same district that Paterson's father had represented.15 Upon his election Paterson became the youngest State Senator in Albany. He won the seat again in 1986 for a full term representing the 29th District in the New York State Senate and served as senator until assuming the office of Lieutenant Governor on January 1 2007.2223

Paterson briefly ran in the Democratic primary for the office of New York City Public Advocate in 1993 but was defeated by Mark J. Green.24 Senate minority leader Paterson was elected by the Democratic caucus of the Senate as Minority Leader on November 20 2002 becoming both the first non-white state legislative leader and the highest-ranking black elected official in the history of New York State unseating the incumbent Minority Leader Martin Connor. Paterson became known for his consensus-building style coupled with sharp political skills.25 In 2006 Paterson sponsored a controversial bill to limit the use of deadly force by the police but later changed that position. He also supported non-citizen voting in New York local elections. According to the New York Post he "chalked up a heavily liberal record. "26 Describing Paterson's tenure in the senate The New York Times cited his "wit flurries of reform proposals and unusual bursts of candor."27 Lieutenant Governor of New York Main article: New York gubernatorial election 2006 Paterson was selected by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer as his running mate for the Governor's office in 2006. The news stunned the New York political world as the Democratic minority was poised to possibly take over the state legislature. Paterson would trade a possible powerful Senate Majority Leader position for the largely ceremonial Lieutenant Governor post.28 During their 2006 campaign Paterson resolved a dispute with Spitzer over turf wars between staff members.29 The Spitzer-Paterson ticket won a landslide victory in the election with 69% of the vote. It was the largest margin of victory in a gubernatorial race in New York history and the second-largest for any statewide race in New York history.30 In late December 2006 shortly before being sworn in as lieutenant governor Paterson said that if he ever succeeded Spitzer as governor he and Nelson A. Rockefeller would have something besides the governorship in common: great difficulty in reading. Rockefeller was dyslexic which Paterson compared to his blindness.31 During his time as Lieutenant Governor Paterson also served as an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School for International and Public Affairs.32 As Lieutenant Governor Paterson was involved in a range of issues including: Stem cell research Paterson is a proponent of embryonic stem cell research. He led Spitzer's successful 2007 legislative effort to approve a bond issue which will provide at least $1 billion toward stem cell research. Spitzer and Paterson touted the measure partly for its economic development benefits following California's $3 billion effort which in turn had been prompted by the U.S. federal government halting funding for such research.33 The New York state legislature had opposed funding the research and it remains controversial.3435 Voting rights In September 2007 Paterson weighed in on a proposal before the New York City Council to extend voting rights to noncitizens.36 He told a crowd gathered at the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade that he believed noncitizens should be granted voting rights.2637 He stressed he was asking for a change in policy rather than a new law citing that although 22 states and territories between 1776 and 1920 allowed the practice none do now.38 Governor Spitzer issued a statement that he did not agree with Paterson's position and claimed he was unaware Paterson would be speaking on the matter.39 Paterson had tried to introduce legislation granting voting rights to noncitizens as a State Senator fifteen years earlier.3640 Lawsuit over bias allegation In February 2008 a U.S. District Judge denied a motion to dismiss a racial discrimination lawsuit naming Paterson.4142 A former staff photographer a Caucasian male claimed that he was the victim of discrimination in 2005 when Paterson's office replaced him with a black photographer. According to the New York Post Paterson's chief of staff "denied the claim... Paterson in his deposition countered that the decision... was simple politics - the photographer was a holdover from former Minority Leader Marty Connor who was ousted by Paterson in 2003."43 Governor of New York See also: Cabinet of David Paterson The Paterson Executive Chamber OFFICE NAME TERM Governor David Paterson 2008 Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch 2009 Secretary to the Governor William J. Cunningham III (Acting as) 2008 General Counsel Terryl Brown-Clemens 2008 Communications Director Risa Heller 2008 Director of State Operations Dennis Whalen 2008 Chief of Staff Jon Cohen 2008 Office of the Attorney General Andrew Cuomo 2008 Office of the Inspector General Joseph Fisch Office of the Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli 2008 Department of Agriculture and Markets Patrick Hooker 2008 Department of Banking Richard H. Neiman 2008 Department of Civil Service Nancy G. Groenwegen 2008 Department of Correctional Services Brian Fischer 2008 Department of Environmental Conservation Alexander Pete Grannis 2008 Department of Education Richard P. Mills 2008 Department of Health Richard F. Daines 2008 Department of Insurance Eric R. Dinallo 2008 Department of Labor M. Patricia Smith 2008 Department of Motor Vehicles David Swarts 2008 Department of Military & Naval Affairs Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto 2008 Department of Public Service Gary A. Brown 2008 Secretary of State Ruth Noem Coln (Acting) 2010 Department of Taxation & Finance Robert L. Megna 2008 Department of Transportation Astrid C. Glynn 20082009 Following Spitzer's resignation Paterson was sworn in as the 55th Governor of New York at the New York State Capitol on March 17 2008 by New York Chief Judge Judith Kaye. Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State. David Paterson Inauguration speech on March 17 2008.44 His swearing-in ceremony was attended by all members of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick New York Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer former New York Governors George Pataki and Hugh Carey New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg former New York City Mayors David Dinkins and Ed Koch Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown the entire New York Congressional delegation (both Democrats and Republicans) and Newark Mayor Cory Booker among others.45 Former Governor Spitzer was not present.1 With his swearing-in Paterson became the first Lieutenant Governor elevated to the governorship in New York due to a vacancy since 1973 when Lieutenant Governor Malcolm Wilson became Governor when Nelson Rockefeller who later served as Vice-President of the United States in the administration of President Gerald R. Ford resigned.4647 Paterson speaks during the second day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver Colorado Paterson is the first black Governor of New York and the fourth in any U.S. state (following Reconstruction-era Louisiana Gov. P. B. S. Pinchback former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder and current Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick). The Lieutenant Governor's office remained vacant until September 22 2009 when the New York Court of Appeals ruled in a 4-3 decision that Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch was constitutional.48 Prior to this appointment under the state's constitution the president pro tempore of the state senate Malcolm Smith would have been next in the line of succession for the Governor's office.49 Paterson has used Global Strategy Group consultants for political advice as governor. His relationship with the firm began earlier. When he was lieutenant governor GSG executives advised him on how to make the job more prominent and the firm again advised him during the transition and afterward. Soon after becoming governor Paterson hired former Risa B. Heller from GSG as his director of communications. As of September 2008 Paterson and the state Democratic Party were each paying GSG a retainer of $15000 a month in addition to costs associated with polling and political advertising.50 On July 17 2008 Paterson was the keynote speaker addressing the 99th annual convention of the NAACP in Cincinnati Ohio.51 Other speakers included Congressman Charles Rangel and U.S. Presidential candidate John McCain. Although Paterson is a lifelong Democrat who was considered a liberal during his time in the State Senate he earned praise from conservatives during his time as Governor for his efforts to combat the 2008 New York fiscal crisis by major reductions in spending and the enaction of an inflation-indexed property tax cap a school tax "circuit breaker" and unfunded mandate relief as well as his appointment of Blue Dog Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy created by Hillary Clinton's appointment as United States Secretary of State.525354 In September 2010 Paterson was one of seven governors to receive a grade of F in the Cato Institute's fiscal-policy report card.55 First day as Governor Paterson ascended to the governor's office during the busiest legislative period of the year. The state is required by law to pass its budget prior to April 1.56 He had only two weeks to negotiate with lawmakers a proposal to close a $4.7 billion deficit and pass a $124 billion budget from the Spitzer administration.57 He stated in his inauguration speech that it would be his top priority.58 Paterson also made reference in his speech to the economic woes being faced in the United States calling them a "crisis" and promised to "adjust the budget accordingly."59 Since 1984 New York State has only passed a budget on time once in 2005 leading Paterson to call for an "end to the dysfunction in Albany" in his speech echoing a 56-page study from the nonpartisan New York University School of Law's Brennan Center for Justice which referred to the legislature as "the least deliberative and most dysfunctional in the nation".606162 Paterson quickly signed five pieces of legislation on his first day in office: to add the New York State Department of Labor to the New York City Transit Track Safety Task Force; to eliminate a law that discouraged employers from holding blood drives; to change the way in which members are appointed to a state health and research board; to restore eligibility caps to certain senior employment programs; and to grant tax exemptions to several local development corporations in New York State.63 He went on to ask for letters of resignation from all of his top staff members and state-agency commissioners. This typical action does not mean the hold overs from the Spitzer administration will be replaced and Paterson said that "having the letters gives him the flexibility to make changes if he decides to".64 Personal revelations One day after Paterson's inauguration as the Governor of New York both he and his wife acknowledged having had extramarital affairs one with a state employee.65 Paterson's self-admissions are in contravention to what the press has dubbed the "Bear Mountain Compact"66 a practice by lawmakers that their transgressions north of the Bear Mountain Bridge will not be reported south of it.676869 Same-sex marriage In May 2008 Governor Paterson informed New York State agencies that they were required to recognize same-sex marriage licenses from other jurisdictions for purposes of employee benefits.70 The governor's directive was purportedly based upon a decision from New York Supreme Court Appellate Division's Fourth Department.70 The governor's directive did not receive widespread public attention until weeks after the directive was given.71 At that time the governor's decision provoked public reaction on both sides of the issue. While Governor Paterson's directive received widespread approbation from same-sex marriage supporters72 it was met with criticism from conservative legislators and from same-sex marriage opponents one of whom referred to the directive as Governor Paterson's "first major blunder."737475 Then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and others accused Governor Paterson of having overstepped his bounds and usurped the authority of the Legislature.73 Governor Paterson reportedly described same-sex marriage as "beautiful" and contended that his decision was "the right thing to do"; the governor was enthusiastically cheered when he attended the 2008 gay pride parade in Manhattan.767778 On June 3 2008 a lawsuit was filed by the Alliance Defense Fund challenging the governor's directive.798081 On September 2 2008 Justice Lucy A. Billings of the State Supreme Court in the Bronx NY issued a decision that Governor Paterson acted within his powers when he required state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from outside New York State. In her dismissal of the Alliance Defense Fund suit Justice Billings found that the governor's order was consistent with state laws on the recognition of marriages from outside the state.82 The decision has been appealed.83 In April 2009 it was revealed that Paterson would propose legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in New York.84 Paterson later tapped former Senate Majority Leader and former political foe Joseph Bruno to support same-sex marriage in Albany.8586 On December 2 2009 same-sex marriage legislation was overwhelmingly defeated on the floor of the New York State Senate by a vote of 24 to 38; no Republican voted yes eight Democrats voted no.8788 The Daily News described the defeat as a major blow while the New York Times stated that the defeat all but ensures that the issue is dead in New York until at least 2011 when a new Legislature will be installed.8788 In late 2010 before the January 2011 expiration of his term as governor Governor Paterson reached out to members of the New York State Senate in an attempt to gauge support for the passage of same-sex marriage legislation during a lame-duck session of the Legislature; however the governor came to the conclusion that passage of the bill during the lame-duck session was not feasible.89 When asked what would have to occur in order for same-sex marriage to be legalized in New York Governor Paterson responded "Get rid of the lobbyists" and added that same-sex marriage advocates had forced a Senate floor vote prematurely in December 2009.89 New York fiscal crisis In July 2008 Paterson warned state lawmakers and citizens of New York that the state faces its worst fiscal crisis since the 1970s.90 On Tuesday July 29 Governor Paterson gave a rare televised address that was broadcast on all of New York's major news networks stating that the state budget deficit had gone up 1.4 billion dollars over the 90 days since his original budget submission citing rising costs due to the poor economy and a struggling Wall Street and calling the State Legislature back to Albany for an emergency session starting on August 19 2008.919293 He also warned that the budget deficit is estimated to grow 22 percent by 2011 and called for the special legislative session on August 19 to deal with the crisis.94 With AIG on the verge of collapse on September 16 2008 and in the aftermath of Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy Paterson publicly lobbied for a government bailout of the insurance giant.95 He hit the cable networks early96 and was quoted by media around the world.979899 The previous day Paterson had loosened regulations to allow AIG to draw reserves from its subsidiaries. In March 2009 Paterson announced at a town hall meeting in Niagara Falls that in light of the fiscal crisis he would take a 10% pay cut.100 On January 2 2009 Paterson joined the governors of four other states in urging the federal government to provide $1 trillion in aid to the country's 50 state governments to help pay for education welfare and infrastructure as states struggle with steep budget deficits amid a deepening recession.101 2008-09 executive budget Governor Paterson revised Governor Spitzer's record-size executive budget proposal to cut spending. Budget negotiations carried over past the deadline causing the new Governor to lament that too many lawmakers were "unwilling to make serious cuts to our budget."102 On April 10 the $121.7 billion budget package was passed by both houses of the State Legislature. His budget closed a projected $4.6 billion deficit with $1.8 billion of spending cuts $1.5 billion in additional revenue from increased taxes and fees and $1.3 billion of one time transfers and did not tap into the state's $1.2 billion of reserves or increase the top income tax rate on those earning $1 million or more.102 Paterson's budget provided property tax relief by delivering aid to municipalities and included restoration of hundreds of millions in property tax rebates for middle-class homeowners and $1 billion for upstate economic development.103 The spending included a record $1.8 billion aid increase to local school districts and $2.5 billion in aid for construction projects at state and city public colleges.102 Governor Paterson decided to fully fund a landmark proposal authored by State Assemblyman Greg Ball creating a tuition remission program for military veterans offering them free tuition at both SUNY and CUNY institutions.104105106 Although the legislature was unable to come to a decision on a separate bill to enact congestion pricing in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called the budget "good news for our city."102 Even though the budget enacted was the first in a decade that included less spending than the proposal Paterson promised to slash next year's state budget by 5 to 10 percent because the spending plan he inherited was "too big and too bloated."107 The accidental nature of Paterson's ascension may have hampered his involvement in this year's process to some degree but he told the New York Times that "I think we passed a sound budget but I dont think that we left ourselves enough room."108 In April 2008 Governor Paterson asked the heads of all state agencies to cut their budgets by 3.35% and threatened a hiring freeze; the governor also asked legislative leaders to follow suit.109110 In August 2008 he called a special emergency session of the legislature and enacted 6% across-the-board cuts in all state agencies. He called another special session in November 2008 to trim an additional 3% but this effort was met without success. 2009-10 executive budget In 2009 New York faced a budget deficit of $15 billion and state debt approached $55 billion.111 During his state of the state address Governor Paterson outlined many issues critical to closing the budget caps and restoring New York's economic strength and quality of life.112 He recommended adapting the Suozzi commission recommendations on a property tax cap and circuit breaker and even joked that he should switch parties as the proposal has remained more popular amongst Republicans than his own party.113 To address the State's budget gap the Governor recommended a Deficit Reduction Assessment for the 2009-10 School Year which will result in a decrease of $1.1 billion in total State School Aid.114 He also outlined several new taxes and fees he supported. These taxes include: An "Obesity tax" which would add an extra tax of over 18% on all non diet soft drinks such as regular soda and energy drinks115 New 4% Taxes on digital music downloads videos and pictures downloaded or the "itax"116 A tax increase on malt-flavored beverages beer and wine117 A 4% tax on taxi rides car rentals and limousine services118 A tax on movie tickets115 A new 4% 'personal services tax' on haircuts beauty salons health club services and weight loss programs119 A 4% tax placed on cable and satellite TV pay per view movies120 Additional fees for fishing and camping121 New fees on items ranging from boilers to explosives to jewelry to sporting events122 A 4 percent sales tax on clothing and shoes under $500 except for two weeks out of the year123 Additional fees on automobile purchases registration and driving fees.115 The Ravitch Commission recommendations which include tolls on the city-owned East River and Harlem River bridges (which has never been done before) and levy an annual driver's tax based on vehicle weight124 The proposed 4 percent tax increases all of which were levies of the state's sales tax on items that were previously untaxed also authorized local counties and municipalities to collect their local share of the sales tax on those items; these local taxes ranged from the default of 3% to as high as 4.75%. The budget also recommends dramatic across-the-board cuts to various state agencies which he called "deep and painful" in his address.125 Other major budget initiatives included eliminating the STAR property tax rebate program (1.4 billion) suspending increases in aid and incentives for municipalities Empire Zone reforms and pension reforms.112 He also moved to close the 81-year-old Reynolds Game Farm in Tompkins County the State's only remaining pheasant facility. This decision drew criticism from sportsmen's groups as the farm is funded through licensing fees paid by hunters and not taxpayer dollars.126 In addition Paterson's recommendation to close the farm would only result in the employees being reassigned. Some have questioned whether the $750000 in savings from closing the facility would outweigh the estimated $700 million generated for the upstate economy if hunters simply take their business to other states.127 Various sportsmen's groups were able to obtain a court ordered injunction in January 2009 to temporarily halt the measure.128 The next day Paterson reversed his decision and decided to keep the game farm operating acknowledging that it does generate significant revenues for the state.129 On June 2 2010 Paterson announced layoffs of state of workers that would be planned and executed by January 1 2011. Amidst the failed attempt of passing a furlough Paterson stated that he expected the layoffs would help close the budget deficit. Capital punishment See also: Capital punishment in New York According to state Senator Liz Krueger Paterson has always been against capital punishment.130 In July 2008 he ordered the removal of the state's equipment to perform lethal injection previously housed in Dutchess County's Green Haven Correctional Facility. In spring 2008 the state Senate passed a bill that would make murderers of policemen eligible for execution; though it is doubtful the state Assembly would pass a similar billcitation needed it is certain that Paterson would not sign it.citation needed Senate appointment After being nominated for the position on December 1 2008 New York Senator Hillary Clinton was confirmed as United States Secretary of State by the United States Senate. Clinton resigned her Senate seat on January 21 2009 in order to assume the Cabinet post.131 By mandate of the New York Constitution Paterson was tasked with appointing a temporary replacement until a special election in 2010 for the conclusion of the term of her Class 1 seat. Paterson's aides had intimated that his desire was to appoint a candidate who is from upstate since every other statewide official in New York save Clinton herself was from New York City.132 Paterson named several advisers on the matter prior to his appointment including Chuck Schumer Charles B. Rangel Nita Lowey Gregory W. Meeks and two staffers.133 Some thought that Paterson might appoint a prominent minority member such as Meeks H. Carl McCall William C. Thompson Jr. Byron Brown Jos E. Serrano or Nydia M. Velzquez.134 Among the prominent women mentioned were former 2000 senatorial contender Lowey NY-14 Representative Carolyn B. Maloney former Clinton aide Leecia Eve United Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten NY-20 Representative Kirsten Gillibrand and political heiress Caroline Kennedy.135136137 Actress Fran Drescher also expressed interest in becoming the New York Senator.138 On December 1 2008 when President-elect Barack Obama announced his nomination of Clinton as Secretary of State Lowey declared she was not a candidate.139 While New York Attorney General and former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo refused to publicly declare his interest in the seat he attracted a plurality of support from polled New Yorkers to take the seat140 and was cited by some analysts as a savvy choice for Paterson to head off the possibility of a strong primary challenge by Cuomo in the 2010 gubernatorial election.141142 Paterson acknowledged on January 20 2009 that Cuomo was indeed under consideration for the appointment.143 NY-2 Representative Steve Israel also expressed his interest in taking the seat.144 It was reported on December 5 2008 that Governor Paterson had spoken with Caroline Kennedy regarding her interest in filling the seat of Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton145 but in a confusing turn of events Kennedy abruptly withdrew her name from consideration on January 21 2009.146 Up until her withdrawal for which no official explanation was given147 the high-profile well-connected daughter of former President John F. Kennedy was widely considered the front-runner for the nomination.148149150 However some reports that came after Kennedy removed herself from consideration claimed that Paterson "never intended" to pick Kennedy having come to consider her "unready" for the seat after a series of media misfires151152 attracted criticism of the political debutante.153 Some sources and analysts doubted the reports' veracity calling the Paterson camp's denials of intention to pick Kennedy "misdirection".154 Joseph Mercurio remarked that Paterson's caginess had backfired noting "Now no matter who he picks it's always going to be the choice after what happened to Kennedy."155 On January 23 2009 Governor Paterson chose Kirsten Gillibrand an upstate congresswoman known as a centrist Blue Dog Democrat to fill Clinton's vacated seat.156 The reaction from the Kennedy family was reportedly "furious" according to The New York Post157 and The New York Daily News.158 Although Gillibrand's appointment was praised by some including Schumer New York's senior senator;159 President Barack Obama160 and Clinton herself161 others criticized Paterson's choice calling Gillibrand "inexperienced"162 "sharp-elbowed"163 "too conservative"164 and "unliked".165 Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy a strong advocate for gun control threatened to run against Gillibrand in a 2010 primary due to her support for Second Amendment rights concurrence with the platform of the National Rifle Association as a member of the House and reported opposition to the Obama stimulus plan (Gillibrand eventually voted for the stimulus along with every other Senate Democrat).166 Still others including liberal New York Times editorialist Maureen Dowd167 and New York Magazine writer Chris Smith168 criticized Paterson's "peculiar" and "dithering" handling of the Senate appointment and suggested it was a cynical way of rallying upstate support for re-election. Dowd went so far as to will Andrew Cuomo to run against Paterson in the 2010 gubernatorial election. Paterson later admitted that he personally ordered his staff to contest Caroline Kennedy's version of events in the hours after she withdrew from consideration to be United States senator.169 Appointment of new Lieutenant Governor See also: 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis Due to the ongoing leadership crisis in the New York State Senate which has left the Senate tied with 31 Democratic votes and 31 Republican votes with no presiding officer to break the tie Paterson announced on July 8 2009 that he would appoint Richard Ravitch a former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to be the Lieutenant Governor.170 On August 20 2009 however a four-judge panel of the Second Judicial Department Appellate Division in Brooklyn ruled that Gov. Paterson had no legal authority to name a lieutenant governor and that the lieutenant governor position cannot be filled in any other way other than via an election. The Appellate Division decision was overruled and Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch was held to be constitutional by the New York State Court of Appeals on September 23 2009.171 Aqueduct Race Track In January 2010 Paterson awarded a contract to operate a 4500 slot machine racino at the Aqueduct Race Track to Aqueduct Race Track Entertainment Group (AEG) in Queens New York. The appointment has generated controversy because of charges that AEG which had the worst bid of those bidding was allowed to change its bid so that it had the best. Paterson is reported to have demanded that the ownership have an affirmative action component. During this time rapper Jay-Z through his company Gain Global Investments Network LLC then got a 7 percent ownership stake in AEG and charges were made that Jay-Z and Paterson had a personal relationship. U.S. prosecutors are reported to be investigating the bidding process particularly that AEG won the bid two days after Queens megachurch pastor Floyd Flake (who is also an AEG investor) threatened to switch his support in the 2010 governor race from Paterson to Andrew Cuomo. New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has threatened not to sign off on the deal. Paterson has maintained there was no quid pro quo.172 On March 9 2010 Paterson recused himself from the case saying he was doing so on the advice of his lawyers.173 On the same day Flake and Jay-Z withdrew from AEG. Flake had a 0.6% share.174 Witness tampering and World Series tickets scandals Main article: David Paterson witness tampering and perjury scandals In February 2010 charges were made that Paterson may been involved in witness tampering in a domestic abuse case involving staffer David W. Johnson after New York State Police and his staffers talked to the woman to get her to drop the case. Paterson was accused of talking to the woman personally a day before the case was dropped.175 Paterson dropped his re-election bid on February 26 but has maintained his innocence and rejected calls for his resignation. On March 3 2010 charges were made that he had lied under oath with regard to charges that he through Johnson had solicited free tickets from the Yankees for the World Series. Since the case occurred five staff members have resigned and no charges have been filed against Paterson although Johnson has been charged in the abuse case. On December 20 2010 the Commission on Public Integrity saying Paterson had lied about the accepting the tickets fined Paterson $62125.176 On March 2 2011 Johnson plead guilty to misdemeanor second-degree harassment. If he stays out of trouble for a year it will be removed from his record.177 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign Main article: New York gubernatorial election 2010 In October 2008 Paterson announced his intentions to run for a full term as Governor and launched a campaign website.178 Early speculation focused on an upstate Democratoutgoing Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll--as a potential running mate.179 Paterson's prime Republican opposition would most likely be from former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.180 By February 2009 after the prolonged Senate appointment process a Siena College poll indicated that Paterson was losing popularity among New Yorkers and showed Giuliani with a fifteen-point lead in a hypothetical contest.181 In April 2009 a poll of 1528 New York State registered voters taken by Quinnipiac University found that 60 percent disapproved of the job Paterson was doing (the worst-ever rating for a New York governor) with 53 percent stating that Paterson should withdraw his candidacy for the gubernatorial election.182 On August 21 in a radio interview Paterson suggested that his low popularity is due to racism and mentioned Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick as receiving the same treatment.183184 Paterson also said that President Barack Obama would be the next African-American elected official to suffer from poor approval due to his skin color. The White House asked Paterson to tone down his comments on race but less than 24 hours later Paterson said: "Part of what I feel is that one very successful minority is permissible; but when you see too many success stories then some people get nervous."185 On September 18 2009 advisors to President Barack Obama informed Paterson that the President believed Paterson should withdraw his 2010 gubernatorial candidacy stepping aside for "popular Attorney General Andrew Cuomo."186 The New York Times reported that Obama was worried that Paterson's continued unpopularity would drag on the 26 Democratic members of New York's 29-member congressional delegation and potentially reverse the existing Democratic control of the State Legislature. Furthermore the Times cited a potential gubernatorial run by Rudolph Giuliani as a reason for the Obama administration's request. On September 19 2009 Paterson insisted he was still running even knowing he could face a primary challenge from Andrew Cuomo if he continued to seek election.187 On February 8 2010 Paterson dismissed rumors that he had engaged in womanizing and drug use as "outrageous". He also characterized some reports in the media about his personal life as "callous and sleazy." He specifically denied allegations in a New York Post article that a state trooper had caught him involved in an extramarital affair. He also stated that an investigation being conducted by the New York Times had "spawned a bunch of speculations that are so way out that it's shocking."188 On February 26 2010 Paterson officially withdrew his bid for a full term as Governor of New York. Saturday Night Live controversy After the Weekend Update sketch featuring David Paterson aired in 2009 on the NBC show Saturday Night Live Paterson was upset by the way the sketch portrayed him stating that it was an offensive stereotype to those who were visually impaired.189 On the 36th season premiere of Saturday Night Live (aired September 25 2010) Paterson appeared in the Weekend Update sketch alongside Fred Armisen who was comedically portraying Paterson.190 References a b Kryszak Joyce (March 17 2008). "Paterson Takes Oath of Office Promises to Restore Trust". WBFO. http://publicbroadcasting.net/wbfo/news.newsmainactionarticle&ARTICLEID1245256&sectionID1.  "Nation Mourns: David Paterson Isnt First Blind Governor After All". Wonkette. March 14 2008. http://wonkette.com/368110/nation-mourns-david-paterson-isnt-first-blind-governor-after-all. Retrieved October 2 2010.  Healy Patrick D. (January 23 2006). "Spitzer Asks State Senator From Harlem to Join Ticket". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/23/nyregion/23cnd-spitzer.html. Retrieved March 11 2008.  "Elections 2006: Governor / New York". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/NY/G/00/. Retrieved March 17 2008.  Confessore Nicholas (March 17 2008). "Paterson Is Sworn In as Governor". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/nyregion/17cnd-paterson.html. Retrieved March 20 2008.  Hakim Danny; Barron James (February 26 2010). "Paterson Drops Out of Governor Race". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/27/nyregion/27paterson.html. Retrieved February 26 2010. "Gov. David A. Paterson announced on Friday afternoon that he was suspending his election campaign and would not run in November."  a b Mandelaro Jim (March 13 2008). "Paterson inspires pride at School for the Blind in Batavia". Democrat and Chronicle. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID/20080313/NEWS01/803130372/1002/NEWS. Retrieved March 18 2008. dead link "''New York Now'' interview with David Paterson February 2008". Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watchvxJJgN4Zo5b0&featurechannel. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Social Security Death Index database on-line". United States: The Generations Network. 1985. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved July 17 2008.  "Social Security Death Index database on-line". United States: The Generations Network. 1968. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved July 17 2008.  "World War I Draft Registration Card database on-line". United States: The Generations Network. June 5 1917. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved July 17 2008.  "New York Passenger Lists 18201957 database on-line". United States: The Generations Network. May 16 1917. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved July 17 2008.  Bettinger Blaine (March 17 2008). "DNA Testing of New Yorks New Governor David Paterson". The Genetic Genealogist. http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2008/03/14/dna-testing-of-new-yorks-new-governor-david-paterson/. Retrieved August 29 2008.  Nichols David (March 12 2008). "David Paterson: Activist Progressive...Governor". The Nation. http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeatbid1&pid297128. Retrieved March 18 2008.  a b c Salmon Stephanie. "10 Things You Didn't Know About David Paterson". U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/03/11/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-david-paterson.html. Retrieved March 11 2008.  Henderson Nia-Malika (March 12 2008). "Paterson was standout student who beat the odds". Newsday. Archived from the original on March 14 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080314061717/http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-lihemp031205292249.story. Retrieved March 27 2008. "At Fulton School Paterson was at the forefront of integrating the school system both because of his race and disability... From Fulton School Paterson went onto Hempstead High School where he graduated in 1971. In the 1969 yearbook Paterson is in the radio club. During his years at the high school the population was integrated yet white flight was becoming apparent students recalled."  a b Smith Ben (February 12 2006). "Spitzer's Mate David Paterson Is Mystery Man". The New York Observer. http://www.observer.com/node/38382. Retrieved March 10 2008.  Bishop Eric; Corasaniti Nick; Mainland Alexis; Rueb Emily S.; Vega Tanzina; Wheaton Sarah (March 15 2008). "From Harlem to Albany" (Flash). The New York Times: p. 4th slide. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/03/15/nyregion/20080316PATERSONTIMELINE.html. Retrieved March 27 2008. "1971... He becomes the first legally disabled person to attend the district's public schools and graduates from Hempstead High School in three years."  Aviv Rachel (2009-12-30). "Listening to Braille". Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/magazine/03Braille-t.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Ex-Prosecutor Is Nominated For a Manhattan Senate Seat". The New York Times. September 16 1985. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9F0DE7D81639F935A2575AC0A963948260. Retrieved March 17 2008.  Chan Sewell (March 11 2008). "David A. Paterson Next in Line". The New York Times. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/david-a-paterson-next-in-line/. Retrieved March 18 2008.  "New York City Senate Districts (1992)" (PDF). The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. http://latfor.state.ny.us/maps/senate/snyc.pdf. Retrieved March 19 2008.  "New York City Senate Districts (2002)" (PDF). The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. http://latfor.state.ny.us/maps/propsen/fsnyc.pdf. Retrieved March 19 2008.  Fried Joseph P. (September 8 1993). "Running for an Old Job That Has a New Game - Biography". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/08/nyregion/running-for-an-old-job-that-has-a-new-game.html. Retrieved March 16 2010.  Confessore Nicholas; Jeremy W. Peters (March 13 2008). "A Bipartisan Prediction of Harmony in Albany". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/13/nyregion/13albany.html. Retrieved March 13 2008.  a b Lovett Kenneth (March 12 2008). "Paterson's '06 Misfire". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/03122008/news/regionalnews/patersons06misfire101554.htm. Retrieved March 12 2008.  Hakim Danny; Rashbaum William K.. "David A. Paterson". The New York Times. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/davidapaterson/. Retrieved March 12 2008.  Cooper Michael (January 25 2006). "For a Politician in a Position to Gain Power a Stunning Move". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/nyregion/25paterson.html. Retrieved March 17 2008.  Gray Geoffrey (October 30 2006). "Spitzer's Peace With Paterson". New York. http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/23491/. Retrieved March 10 2008.  Healy Patrick (November 8 2006). "Clinton and Democrats Sweep Races in New York". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/nyregion/08york.html. Retrieved March 17 2008.  Roberts Sam (December 27 2007). "Paterson & Son Offices in Harlem and Albany". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/27/nyregion/27paterson.html. Retrieved March 17 2008.  "Official Website of Lieutenant Governor David Paterson". Archived from the original on March 14 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080314143748/http://www.ny.gov/ltgov/. Retrieved March 18 2008.  Confessore Nicholas (January 16 2007). "Spitzer Wants New York to Enter the Stem Cell Race". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9C05EFD91030F935A25752C0A9619C8B63. Retrieved March 10 2008.  Eggleston Luke (January 1824 2007). "Gift of Life". Catholic Sun (Diocese of Syracuse). Archived from the original on March 14 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080314235200/http://www.syrdio.org/NewsStories.aspid1213. Retrieved March 10 2008.  Editorial (April 3 2007). "A Better New York Budget". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/opinion/03tues2.html. Retrieved March 10 2008.  a b Paybarah Azi (September 3 2007). "Paterson Without Spitzer Administration Praises Non-Citizen Voting". New York Observer. http://www.observer.com/2007/paterson-without-spitzer-administration-praises-non-citizen-voting-0.  Rae Leah (March 11 2008). "David Paterson on immigration". Journal News. http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/03/11/david-paterson-on-immigration/.  Hayduk Ron and Michele Wucker (November 2004). "Immigrant Voting Rights Receive More Attention". Migration Information Source. http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfmID265.  Danis Kirsten (September 4 2007). "Lt. Gov. David Paterson for granting noncitizens right to vote". Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/09/04/2007-09-04ltgovdavidpatersonforgrantingnonci.html.  Pierre-Pierre Gary (September 6 1993). "West Indians Adding Clout At Ballot Box". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9F0CE0DE143EF935A3575AC0A965958260.  Benjamin Elizabeth (February 18 2008). "Discrimination Suit Against Senate Dems Moves Forward". Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/02/discrimination-suit-against-pa.html. Retrieved March 12 2008.  "Maioriello v. New York Northern District of New York. 2008. No. 1:05-CV-1062" (MS Word Document). Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/misc/WestlawDocument133933.doc. dead link Slip Copy 2008 WL 398483 (N.D.N.Y.). February 12 2007. United States District Court N.D. New York. Maioriello v. New York. (Joseph MAIORIELLO Plaintiff v. NEW YORK State New York State Senate New York State Senate Minority Defendants. N.D.N.Y. 2008. No. 1:05-CV-1062 (NAM/DRH)). Lovett Kenneth (February 19 2008). "Pol Has 'Color Blind' Excuse". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/02192008/news/regionalnews/polhascolorblindexcuse98261.htm. Retrieved March 12 2008.  Paterson David. "Remarks to a Joint-Session of the New York State Legislaturedead link". Governor of New York. March 17 2008. Retrieved March 17 2008. Benjamin Elizabeth (March 17 2008). "Paterson's dignitaries". Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/03/patersons-dignitaries.html.  Saxon Wolfgang (March 14 2000). "Former Gov. Malcolm Wilson 86 Is Dead". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9A0DE7D9103BF937A25750C0A9669C8B63&pagewantedall. Retrieved March 24 2008.  Hinman Sarah J.; Margaret Williams (March 15 2008). "Historical Overview of the Governors of New York State" (PDF). Times Union. Archived from the original on April 11 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080411045953/http://timesunion.com/politics/graphics/NYSGovOverview.pdf. Retrieved March 19 2008.  Peters Jeremy W. (September 22 2009). "New York Times: Court 4-3 Upholds Patersons Appointment of Lieutenant Governor". Cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/court-upholds-patersons-appointment-of-lieutenant-governor/hp. Retrieved October 2 2010.  See Article IV Section 6 Clause 4 of the NYS Constitution.dead link Confessore Nicholas "In Consulting Group's Rise Hints of How Albany Works" article The New York Times September 29 2008 retrieved same day Spector Joseph. "Paterson To Give Keynote This Morning At NAACP Conference". The Journal News. July 17 2008. Spector Joseph. "Conservatives applaud Paterson". The Journal News. July 30 2008. Spector Joseph. "Gillibrand draws praise criticismdead link". Ithaca Journal. January 24 2009. Goddard Taegan. "Republicans Approve of Gillibrand Pickdead link". Political Wire. January 26 2009. "Hows Your Governor Doing on Taxes and Spending - By Veronique de Rugy - The Corner - National Review Online". Nationalreview.com. 2010-09-30. http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/248383/hows-your-governor-doing-taxes-and-spending-veronique-de-rugy. Retrieved 2011-03-02.  Peters Jeremy W. (March 17 2008). "Paterson Is Calling the Shots on Swearing-In". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/nyregion/17prepare.html.  Thompson Maury (March 18 2008). "Paterson: It's time to get to work". Post Star. http://www.poststar.com/articles/2008/03/18/news/local/13443868.txt.  Goldman Henry (March 17 2008). "Paterson to Focus on New York Budget in First Days as Governor". Bloomberg L.P.. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/newspid20601087&sidaQZP02jpgPxQ&referhome.  Gralla Joan (March 17 2008). "NY new governor says economy headed toward a crisis". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1760917920080317.  Creelan Jeremy and Moulton Laura. "The New York State Legislative Process". Brennan Center for Justice New York University School of Law. July 21 2004. Retrieved on February 28 2008. McMahon E.J. (October 2005). "Breaking the Budget in New York State". Policy Briefing (Empire Center Manhattan Institute). No. 3. http://www.empirecenter.org/Policy-Briefings/2005/10/breakingthebu.cfm. Retrieved March 19 2008.  Editoral. "Paterson must hit the ground running to move state ahead". Star Gazette. March 18 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. Anderson Liz (March 17 2008). "Day: one. Bills: five". Journal News. http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/03/17/day-one-bills-five/. Retrieved March 18 2008.  Gallagher Jay (March 19 2008). "Paterson asks for wholesale resignations". Journal News. http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/03/19/paterson-asks-for-wholesale-resignations/.  "N.Y. governor: State employee among my several affairs". CNN. March 18 2008. Archived from the original on March 21 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080321212838/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/18/paterson.affairs.ap/index.html. Retrieved March 22 2008.  Baker Al (May 16 2004). "Albany Faces Its Sex Problem and Nobody's Snickering". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9C07E7D7173FF935A25756C0A9629C8B63.  Gormley Michael (March 20 2008). "Talk of sex dominates Albany". Associated Press. http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID/20080320/NEWS01/803200363. dead link Burnett Marie Miranti (2005). Sex Secrets and Lies: The Marriage Vows Revisted. iUniverse. p. 3. ISBN 0595340822. http://books.google.com/idD9miFH1ucgC&pgPA3&lpgPA3&dq%22Bear+Mountain+Compact%22. Retrieved March 24 2008.  Tomasky Michael (June 23 2003). "Capital Offense". New York Magazine. http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/politics/newyork/n8897/.  a b Paybarah Azi. "Paterson's Message on Same-Sex Marriage". The New York Observer. May 29 2008. Peters Jeremy. "New York to Back Same-Sex Unions From Elsewhere". The New York Times. May 29 2008. Naanes Marlene. "New Yorkers applaud Guv's gay marriage stance"dead link. Newsday. May 29 2008. a b Confessore Nicholas. Gay Marriage Opponents Consider Ways to Fight New Policy. The New York Times. May 30 2008. Diaz Ruben. "Statement From NYS Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Regarding Governor Paterson's Decision To Recognize Out Of State Same Sex Marriages". Press release. Office of New York State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz. October 3 2008. Senison Heather. "Strong reactions on both sides of gay marriage debate". Legislative Gazette. May 30 2008. Stashenko Joel. "N.Y. Governor Defends Recognition of Other Jurisdictions' Gay Marriages". New York Law Journal. Law.com. May 30 2008. Peters Jeremy W. "Celebrating Gay Pride and Its Albany Friend". The New York Times. June 30 2008. Rentas Khadijah; Gaskell Stephanie. "Governor Paterson is cheered at city's Gay Pride Parade". Daily News. June 30 2008. 1dead link The Ithaca Journal. June 3 2008.dead link. ADF attorneys file suit against N.Y. Gov. Paterson. Press release. Alliance Defense Fund. June 3 2008. Stiles Tom. "Governor Decrees Same-Sex Marriage in New York". New Yorker's Family Research Foundation. June 23 2008. Confessore Nicholas (September 2 2008). "Court Backs Paterson Regarding Gay Unions". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/nyregion/03marry.html.  "ADF: ADF appeals decision to uphold NY governors same-sex marriage directive - Alliance Defense Fund - Defending Our First Liberty". Alliance Defense Fund. http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspxcid4670. Retrieved October 2 2010.  Melas Chloe (April 14 2009). "New York governor to propose legalizing same-sex marriage". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/ny.same.sex.marriage/.  Amira Dan. "Can Joe Bruno Rescue Gay Marriage". Nymag.com. http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/06/canjoebrunorescuegaymarri.html. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Joe Bruno Supports Gay Marriage!!!!!". Gayvolt.com. http://www.gayvolt.com/2009/06/joe-bruno-supports-gay-marriage/. Retrieved October 2 2010.  a b Benjamin Elizabeth (December 2 2009). "Gay Marriage Fails 24-38". New York Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/12/gay-marriage-fails-24-38.html. Retrieved December 2 2009.  a b Peters Jeremy W. (December 2 2009). "New York State Senate Votes Down Gay Marriage Bill". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/nyregion/03marriage.html.  a b Kaplan Thomas (December 1 2010). "Paterson Gives Up Push to Legalize Gay Marriage". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/nyregion/02marriage.html.  Dicker Frederick U. "That '70s woe in rerun". New York Post. July 28 2008. Press Release from Governor Paterson's office on the official NY State websitedead link. Retrieved July 30 2008. Times Union blog of July 29 2008. Retrieved July 30 2008. Karlin Rick "Paterson: 'Time to act': Citing fear of budget disaster governor recalls Legislature" Albany Times-Union July 30 2008 found at Paterson: 'Time to act': Citing fear of budget disaster governor recalls Legislaturedead link. Retrieved July 30 2008. "2dead link". CBS News. July 30 2008. "Fed offers $85 billion rescue plan to AIG". KTKA.com. September 16 2008. http://www.ktka.com/news/2008/sep/16/fedoffers85billionrescueplanaig/. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Governor Paterson Weighs In on the AIG Situation  Glick Report". Glickreport.blogs.foxbusiness.com. http://glickreport.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2008/09/16/governor-paterson-weighs-in-the-aig-situation/. Retrieved October 2 2010. dead link "US government rescues insurer AIG". BBC News. September 17 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7620127.stm. Retrieved May 1 2010.  Clark Andrew (September 17 2008). "US government steps in to rescue insurance giant AIG". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/17/marketturmoil.creditcrunch. Retrieved May 1 2010.  "La Fed sauve l'assureur amricain AIG de la faillite". Le Monde. Paris. http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/09/17/la-fed-sauve-l-assureur-americain-aig-de-la-faillite10960483234.html. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Fiscal crisis spurs Paterson to take 10 percent pay cut". Newsday. March 6 2009. http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/news/ny-stpate066059381mar0601225497.story. Retrieved March 7 2009. dead link "Hungry for real news". NewsFetish.com. http://www.newsfetish.com. Retrieved October 2 2010.  a b c d Quint Michael. "New York's Paterson Lawmakers Agree on State Budget". Bloomberg L.P.. April 9 2008. Gallagher Jay and Spector Joseph. "$124 billion state budget plan expected to pass todaydead link". Poughkeepsie Journal. April 9 2008. "Bill Summary - A08532". New York State Assembly. Retrieved on February 24 2008. Neroulias Nicole. "New York's new budget funds veterans tuition assistance". Journal News. April 10 2008. "Part N Amend the Education Law in relation to tuition assistance for veteransdead link Memorandum in Support Article VII Legislation Education Labor and Family Assistancedead link Enacted Budget 2008-09 New York State Executive Budgetdead link." New York State Division of the Budget. Retrieved April 11 2008. Seifman David and Lovett Kenneth. "Paterson: I'll Slash Budget by $12 Bil". New York Post. April 9 2008. Hakim Danny. "Vexed Cry of a Thwarted Governor: Wait Till Next Year". New York Times. April 10 2008. Governor Paterson Urges State Leaders To Follow His Lead In Reducing Next YearS State Budgetdead link "Paterson Asking Legislative Leaders for Budget Cuts The New York Observer". Observer.com. April 24 2008. http://www.observer.com/2008/patersons-cut-backs. Retrieved October 2 2010.  McNichol Elizabeth and Lay Iris. States Continue to Feel Recession's Impact. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. January 16 2009. a b "GOVERNOR PATERSON'S EXECUTIVE BUDGET ELIMINATES LARGEST DEFICIT IN STATE HISTORY REINS IN SPENDINGdead link (press release)". Office of the Governor. December 16 2008. "State of the State Address 2009dead link". David A. Paterson Governor. "2008-09 Deficit Reduction Plandead link". 2009-2010 Executive Budget Briefing Book New York State Division of the Budget. a b c Blainn Glenn and Lovett Kenneth. "Governor Paterson proposes 'Obesity Tax' a tax on non-diet sodas". Daily News. December 14 2008. "Stop the ITax". Retrieved January 19 2009. "New York Governor Proposes Alcohol Tax Hikes". Marin Institute. Retrieved January 19 2008. Paint Josh. "A tale of two budgets". Redstate (blog). December 16 2008. "New York Governor Wants 'iTunes Tax'". Information Week. December 17 2008. "Governor Paterson to Tax Your Entertainment". 'New York Magazine'. January 2009. "New York governor proposes more fishing fees". Associated Press. December 23 2008. Fitzpatrick Josh. "Tedisco: Governor Paterson's 137 Tax And Fee Increases Will Cost the Average New York Family $3875.48 Could Lead To the Loss of 1-In-10 Jobs". New York State Assembly Minority LeaderJames Tedisco.December 18 2008. Reddy Sumathi. "What the governor's proposed fee raises will cost youdead link". Newsday. December 18 2008. Chan Sewell. "Reaction to Ravitchs M.T.A. Report". New York Times. December 4 2008. Precious Tom. "Paterson proposes dramatic spending cuts higher taxes and feesdead link". Buffalo News. December 16 2008. Vielkind Jimmy. "The Pheasants Are Saved! For the Hunters". New York Observer. January 19 2009. "Ball urges Governor to retain 'only remaining pheasant farm'". Mid Hudson News. January 4 2009. Nelson Dick. "Sportsmen seek injunction against DEC". The Daily Mail. January 12 2009. Figura David. "Gov. Paterson makes it official: the Reynolds Game Farm will not be closed". The Post-Standard. January 16 2009. "David Paterson to Become First African American Gov in NY History First Blind Gov in US History". Democracynow.org. http://www.democracynow.org/2008/3/13/davidpatersontobecomefirstafrican. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Caroline Kennedy Withdraws Senate Bid". The New York Times (Reuters Ltd.). January 22 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/01/22/news/news-us-usa-politics-kennedy.html. Retrieved January 22 2009. dead link Lovett Kenneth. "Ex-Hillary Clinton aide Leecia Eve could take over as senator". Daily News. November 21 2008. "Paterson Reveals Advisors On Clinton Successor: New York Governor Has Some Time To Make Up His Mind Because Clinton Will Stick Around Until Confirmed". CBS Broadcasting Inc.. December 3 2008. http://wcbstv.com/local/new.york.senate.2.878236.html. Retrieved December 8 2008. dead link Chan Sewell and Richard Prez-Pea (January 22 2007). "If Clinton Should Win Who Would Take Her Place". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres980CE0DC1F30F931A15752C0A9619C8B63. Retrieved November 23 2008.  Hakim Danny (October 4 2007). "Wishing and Hoping for Clinton's Seat". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres9503E6DA1F30F937A35753C1A9619C8B63. Retrieved November 23 2008.  Parker Billy. "Latest Possible Hillary Successor is Leecia Eve". Gothamist. November 22 2008. "Why Gov. Paterson Should Have Named Lesbian Randi Weingarten to the Senate". Queerty.com. http://www.queerty.com/why-gov-paterson-should-have-named-lesbian-randi-weingarten-to-the-senate-20090123/. Retrieved October 2 2010.  Damavandi Olivia (January 7 2009). "Drescher speaks about possible Senate run". The Malibu Times. http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2009/01/07/news/news5.txt.  Tumulty Brian. "Lowey won't seek Clinton seat." The Journal News. December 2 2008. "Poll: New Yorkers Prefer Cuomo Over Kennedy for U.S. Senate Seat". Fox News. April 7 2010. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/20/poll-new-yorkers-prefer-cuomo-kennedy-senate-seat/. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "Senator Cuomo looms as Dame Caroline fades". Donklephant.com. January 15 2009. http://donklephant.com/2009/01/15/senator-cuomo-looms-as-dame-caroline-fades/. Retrieved October 2 2010.  Halbfinger David M. (2009-01-24). "As Willing Bridesmaid Cuomo Plays Against Type". New York State: Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/nyregion/25cuomo.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Paterson: Cuomo being considered for Senate seatdead link "Steve Israel Abides". Observer.com. December 16 2008. http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/steve-israel-abides. Retrieved October 2 2010.  "NYC mayor praises Caroline Kennedy". ABC Inc. WABC-TV/DT New York NY. December 8 2008. http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/storysectionnews/politics&id6540115&rssrss-wabc-article-6540115. Retrieved December 8 2008.  "Caroline Kennedy withdraws Senate bid". Hurriyet.com.tr. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/10836272.aspscr1. Retrieved October 2 2010.  Kennedy's withdrawal creates a political mysterydead link Sources: Caroline Kennedy Front-Runner for Hilary Clinton Senate Seatdead link "Caroline The 'Certain' Pick For Dave: Rivals". Nypost.com. 2009-01-19. http://www.nypost.com/seven/01192009/news/columnists/carolinethecertainpickfordaveriva150822.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Caroline Kennedy Paterson's Choice: Officialsdead link Caroline Kennedy botches debut interview with 'you know' attitudedead link "Kennedy criticized after her latest tour". Findarticles.com. 2008-12-30. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/miqn4188/is20081230/ain31158684. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  New York's Paterson to Name Clinton Senate Successordead link Hakim Danny (2009-01-22). "Paterson Is Set to Name Senate Pick". New York State: Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/nyregion/23caroline.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Goldman Henry (2009-01-23). "New Yorks Paterson to Tap Clinton Senate Replacement". Bloomberg.com. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/newspid20601087&sidaQQcK3zNX2fM&referhome. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Paterson Names Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to Clinton's Former U.S. Senate Seat". Foxnews.com. 2010-04-07. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/22/new-york-gov-paterson-rep-gillibrand-clintons-senate-seat/. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Adams Ginger (2009-01-25). "Kennedys Livid As Gov Asked Caroline To 'Lie'". Nypost.com. http://www.nypost.com/seven/01252009/news/regionalnews/kennedyslividasgovaskedcarolineto151951.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Senator-designate Kirsten Gillibrand praises Caroline Kennedy". Nydailynews.com. 2009-01-25. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/24/2009-01-24senatordesignatekirstengillibrandprai.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Tom Caprood (2009-01-24). "Gillibrand colleagues support her appointment". Troyrecord.com. http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/01/24/news/doc497ac08414347522989603.txt. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Obama telephones congratulations to Gillibranddead link "HRC (and others) react to Gillibrand". Firstread.msnbc.msn.com. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/23/1758674.aspx. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  BRENDAN SCOTT (2009-01-23). "Kirsten Has Big Goals - But Little Experience". Nypost.com. http://www.nypost.com/seven/01232009/news/politics/kirstenhasbiggoalsbutlittleexper151500.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "New York's Next Senator: Opposed to the Obama Agenda". Huffingtonpost.com. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lawrence-odonnell/new-yorks-next-senator-opb160497.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Who is Kirsten Gillibrand New York congresswoman to take Clinton's Senate seat". Nydailynews.com. 2009-01-23. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/22/2009-01-22whoiskirstengillibrandnewyorkcongr.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Ambitious Gillibrand Unliked by Peersdead link McCarthy continues to oppose Gillibrand's appointmentdead link Dowd Maureen (2009-01-24). "Which Governor Is Wackier". Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/opinion/25dowd.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Smith Chris (2009-01-24). "The Zany Adventures of (Senator) Caroline Kennedy". Nymag.com. http://nymag.com/news/politics/53618/. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Hakim Danny (2009-02-20). "Paterson Had Staff Deny Kennedy Was Top Choice". Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/nyregion/21paterson.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Jeremy Peters and Danny Hakim (July 8 2009). "Paterson to Name Ex-M.T.A. Chief as Lieutenant Governor". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/nyregion/09albany.html.  Peters Jeremy W.; Chan Sewell (September 22 2009). "In 4-3 Vote Court Says Paterson Can Appoint Lt. Governor". The New York Times. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/court-upholds-patersons-appointment-of-lieutenant-governor/hp. Retrieved May 1 2010.  "Jay-Z stake in Aqueduct slots deal draws scrutiny". New York Post. 2010-02-21. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/jaystakeinslotsdealdrawsscrutinytv8TlBdN4dPNsnkW4XAqJN. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Paterson Recuses Himself From Racino Project". New York Daily News. 2010-03-09. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/03/paterson-recuses-himself-from.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Fung Amanda (2010-03-09). "Rev. Flake rapper Jay-Z exit sinking Aqueduct bid". crainsnewyork. http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100309/REALESTATE/100309862. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  William K. Rashbaum; Danny Hakim; David Kocieniewski; Serge F. Kovaleski; Kitty Bennett; Alain Delaqurire; Barbara Gray (February 25 2010). "Question of Influencein Abuse Case of Paterson Aide". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/nyregion/25paterson.html. Retrieved March 7 2010.  Halbfinger David M. (December 20 2010). "Paterson Fined $62125 Over World Series Tickets". The New York Times. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/gov-paterson-fined-62125-for-taking-world-series-tickets.  Conley Kirsten (2009-10-31). "Former Paterson aide David Johnson pleads guilty to harassment in girlfriend attack". NYPOST.com. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bronx/formerpatersonaidepleadsguilty05j3bBuZee2TMmgWUDthAICMPOTC-rss&FEEDNAME. Retrieved 2011-03-02.  "David Paterson". Paterson for Governor Inc.. http://www.patersonforny.com.  Rubado Meghan and Goldberg Delen. "2010 Ticket Could Be Paterson-Driscoll". Post-Standard. October 17 2008. "Giuliani says decision on governor's race unlikely before summer". CNN. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/13/giuliani-says-decision-on-governors-race-unlikely-before-summer/. Retrieved May 1 2010.  Ryan Tom (February 24 2009). "New York governor trails rival Cuomo in latest poll". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE51N6ZQ20090224. Retrieved March 16 2010.  http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN0638816620090406 Retrieved on April 6 2009. "Paterson blames racism for his unpopularity". Newsday. New York. August 21 2009. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/paterson-blames-racism-for-his-unpopularity-1.1386367localLinksEnabledfalse. Retrieved March 16 2010.  BRENDAN SCOTT (2009-09-02). "Paterson Whines: 'Racism!'". Nypost.com. http://www.nypost.com/seven/08222009/news/regionalnews/patersonwhinesracism185821.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Ignoring White House Request Paterson Rants Againdead link "Obama cordial but cool to Gov. David Paterson". Newsday.com. 2009-09-21. http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/obama-cordial-but-cool-to-gov-paterson-1.1465587. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  Hernandez Raymond (2009-09-19). "Paterson Says He Will Run Rejecting Call From Obama". New York State: Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/nyregion/20paterson.html. Retrieved 2011-05-22.  "Governor denies drug sex rumors". CNN. February 9 2010. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/09/governor-denies-drug-sex-rumors/. Retrieved February 9 2010.  "David Paterson: SNL Insensitive To Disabled". Huffingtonpost.com. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/12/david-paterson-snl-insensn166533.html. Retrieved 2011-03-02.  Schapiro Rich (September 26 2010). "Gov. David Paterson makes surprise 'Saturday Night Live' visit to mock himself Albany". New York Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/nylocal/2010/09/25/2010-09-25patersonshowsheisntblindtohumoronsnl.htmlrnews. Retrieved September 26 2010.  External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: David Paterson Biography at the National Governors Association Biography interest group ratings public statements vetoes and campaign finances at Project Vote Smart Biography at WhoRunsGov.com at The Washington Post Issue positions and quotes at On The Issues Campaign contributions at FollowTheMoney.org Appearances on C-SPAN programs Collected news and commentary at The New York Times "Senator David Paterson: What Others Are Saying". Spitzer-Paterson 2006. Archived from the original on November 27 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20061127230245/www.spitzerpaterson.com/paterson/.  Accolades posted to Spitzer's 2006 gubernatorial campaign website. 2008 Moment of Thanks video of Governor David Paterson thanking the troops New York State Senate Preceded by Leon Bogues New York Senator from the 30th District 19862002 Succeeded by Thomas Duane Preceded by Eric Schneiderman New York Senator from the 30th District 20032006 Succeeded by Bill Perkins Political offices Preceded by Martin Connor Minority Leader of the New York Senate 20032006 Succeeded by Malcolm Smith Preceded by Mary Donohue Lieutenant Governor of New York 20072008 Succeeded by Richard Ravitch Preceded by Eliot Spitzer Governor of New York 20082010 Succeeded by Andrew Cuomo v d eDavid Paterson Governor of New York Executive Chamber Political activities Early political career  Electoral history  Scandals Life and family Michelle Paige Paterson (spouse)  Basil Paterson (father) v d eGovernors and Lieutenant Governors of New York   Governors G. Clinton  Jay  G. Clinton  Lewis  Tompkins  Tayler  D. Clinton  Yates  D. Clinton  Pitcher  Van Buren  Throop  Marcy  Seward  Bouck  Wright  Young  Fish  Hunt  Seymour  Clark  King  Morgan  Seymour  Fenton  Hoffman  J. Adams Dix  Tilden  Robinson  Cornell  Cleveland  Hill  Flower  Morton  Black  T. Roosevelt  Odell  Higgins  Hughes  White  J. Alden Dix  Sulzer  Glynn  Whitman  Smith  Miller  Smith  F. Roosevelt  Lehman  Poletti  Dewey  Harriman  Rockefeller  Wilson  Carey  M. Cuomo  Pataki  Spitzer  Paterson  A. Cuomo   Lieutenant Governors Van Cortlandt S. Van Rensselaer J. Van Rensselaer Broome Tayler Clinton Tayler Swift Tayler Root Tallmadge Pitcher P. Livingston Dayan Throop Stebbins Oliver E. Livingston Tracy Bradish Dickinson Gardiner Lester Fish Patterson Church Raymond Selden Campbell Floyd-Jones Alvord Woodford Beach Robinson Dorsheimer Hoskins Hill McCarthy Jones Sheehan Saxton Woodruff Higgins Bruce Raines Chanler White Cobb Conway Glynn Wagner Schoeneck Walker Wood Lusk Lunn Lowman Corning Lehman Bray Poletti Hanley Wallace Hanley Moore Wicks Mahoney DeLuca Wilson Anderson Krupsak Cuomo DelBello Anderson Lundine McCaughey Donohue Paterson Bruno Skelos Smith Espada Ravitch Smith Ravitch Duffy Italics indicate acting officeholders Persondata Name Paterson David Alternative names Paterson David Alexander Short description Governor of New York Date of birth May 20 1954 Place of birth Brooklyn New York Date of death Place of death