Pataki Unveils Portrait, Doesn't Want To Talk Politics

Today, former governor George Pataki unveiled his official portrait (the one with the smile he doesn't like) in Albany, but PolitickerNY reports that he refused to partake in speculation about his potential entry into next year's elections. Pataki said, "It would be premature to answer hypotheticals. This is not a day for politics. This is a day to recognize Governor Paterson for his graciousness and to thank the people of the state for the great privilege. Politics can wait."

Or can they? Pataki later offered some kind words in support of Governor David Paterson, "We don’t always see eye to eye on issues … but the state only has one governor at a time and these are very difficult and challenging times and elections are elections but for the next 15 months at least, Governor Paterson is the leader of this state. He’s the leader of all of us and I think every one of us should try to help him as he and the legislature face the enormous challenges our state and our country faces."

Paterson gave an anecdote about, back in the late 1980s, he and Pataki first met at the Capitol's legislative gym when he was having trouble with an exercise bike, "This legislator comes over. He's tall. Clearly from the assembly because I don't know him. And he in that very neighborly, quaint way, said, ‘Hey, can I help you out?"