Beleaguered Governor David Paterson, CC ’77, vowed Sunday to run for re-election in 2010 despite precipitously low approval ratings and sharp criticism from residents and politicians alike, many of whom have called for him to bow out of the race.
During an appearance at the Sept. 20 African American Day Parade in Harlem, he stated, “I have said time and time again that I am running for governor next year. … I’m not talking about any specific conversations. As I said, I am running for office.”
The “specific conversations” on which reporters grilled Paterson referred to alleged pressure from the White House to suspend his campaign, which the New York Times reported based on information from anonymous sources in the Obama administration.
Support for Paterson has fallen even within his home bases of Harlem and Morningside Heights, which vote overwhelmingly Democratic and might be expected to have lingering loyalty toward Paterson — New York’s first African-American governor — from his tenure as a state senator representing the area.
“Paterson’s not doing what’s right for the state,” Morningside Heights resident Ellen Goodman said recently. “I don’t think he’s strong enough. I don’t think he was ready for the job, especially not in these times.”
State Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, who represents Morningside Heights and parts of West Harlem, reiterated his support, however, stating, “He became governor at a very inopportune time, and was dealt a very difficult hand financially. If he chooses to run, I will support him.”
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