Paterson: "Sad Few Days," But "Prepared" to Lead

Photograph of soon-to-be-governor David Paterson speaking in Albany by Mike Groll/AP

Lieutenant Governor David Paterson spoke to reporters for the first time since Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned yesterday. Paterson mentioned how it's been a sad and unexpected past few days, speaking fondly of Spitzer and his family. He also made sure to emphasize he's ready; from CityRoom:

I made my commitment when I gave my word to Governor Spitzer in January 2006, when I left as the Democratic Senate leader to be his running mate, that I would be prepared, if in event I had to assume authority. I am prepared and on Monday, at 1 p.m., I will have the oath of office administered to me in the Assembly chamber. Most of you are invited.

And we will — at this point it is time to get back to the business of the state. I promised the governor yesterday that I would commit myself to the people of this great state, that we would have stability and continuity in those challenges that lie ahead. Now we have to get New York back on track.

He said the most pressing concern is getting the state budget passed. During the Q&A, Paterson also explained that he wanted these five days for transition because he wanted to spend yesterday, today and tomorrow working, instead of being sworn in. And when another reporter asked, "Have you ever patronized a prostitute?" Capitol Confidential reports, "Paterson paused, paused some more, and finally said, 'Only the lobbyists.'"

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on March 13, 2008 4:09 PM

Comments [rss]

Goomba

This guy may be good. They said on TV that the guy who replaced the finocchio Jersey governor was the most popular and best governor of Jersey.

If the guy is gonna suck Al Sharpton's stuggots we hope the guy is client #10.

Hey NICE GASH

"Could we actually be inline to have a reasonable governor now? How will we handle this?!?"

Yeah reasonable guy except for the fact that he's anti-white.

"Patterson is a breath of fresh air!"-...yeah breath of fresh air to Charles Barron.

berniegoetz

I gave up on Bloomy the day he invited Rev. Al to City Hall over the Sean Bell fiasco. If Paterson ever allows Sharpton to speak for or with him on ANY issue, I'll take the same stance on him. Hopefully Paterson will have the strength to repel not only the cronies in Albany but the vampires in Harlem who suddenly think they have an "in" just because they share the same color skin with him.

ungawaa

Patterson is a breath of fresh air!

Toby von Meistersinger

Ironically, Patterson's wife was a lobbyist.

Snoopy

Stop this crap about him being blind. He is "legally blind" but the good man is partially sighted. He is a breath of fresh air after all these other idiots that are running around up there in Albany.

And stop this shit that I am a racist.

Art Stewel

Client 4 eyes?

Seriously, though, a great comment by the Governor-to-be, and it is exciting to have someone of his temperment, although I am concerned with how Rev. Al has seemingly positioned himself as in Patterson's inner circle. Hopefully our new Guv will see that fraud for all he is.

Will Fred Armisen play Patterson on SNL?

IceCreamNewYork

After that comment I think he sounds like presidential material!

babyhitler

hey at least he won't be calling in prostitutes unless his seeing eye dog is a pimp. This dude has so much goodwill from Spitzer's foulup. Let's see how long this will last. Will he be Colin powell or david dinkins? please don't let him be david dinkins.

MT

Could we actually be inline to have a reasonable governor now? How will we handle this?!?

JenChungsBaby

The blind leading the ......???

Jen S

I can't believe a reporter would ask that. Does he think he'll uncover another nefarious secret with a snarky question?

drewo

And when another reporter asked, "Have you ever patronized a prostitute?" Capitol Confidential reports, "Paterson paused, paused some more, and finally said, 'Only the lobbyists.'"

Off to a good start.