Do You Suffer from Scandal Fatigue? Paterson Hopes So!

Peter Kauffman (NY1)

More blood in the water: Governor Paterson's communications director, Peter Kauffmann, resigned this afternoon. Yesterday Kauffmann's name came up after the Commission on Public Integrity released its findings in their probe into Paterson's solicitation of free World Series tickets at Yankee Stadium. The commission's report suggested that Paterson had lied to Kauffmann about the how the tickets were obtained, and Kauffman was compelled to testify about the prevarication. (Here's Paterson's official response.) After spending yesterday getting grilled by the Attorney General's office, Kauffman threw in the towel today, releasing this statement:

As a former officer in the United States Navy, integrity and commitment to public service are values I take seriously. As recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position.

Kauffman is the third member of Paterson's administration to resign in the wake of New York Times articles about the governor's interference in a domestic violence court case brought by his top aide's ex-girlfriend. On Thursday, Denise O'Donnell, the (deep breath) state Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and Deputy Secretary for Public Safety resigned, and on Tuesday State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt stepped down (Members of Paterson's security detail, which is part of the State Police force, repeatedly visited the alleged victim, Sherr-una Booker, in what appears to be an attempt to persuade her to drop her legal action.)

As he was leaving a Manhattan luncheon with former Mayor David Dinkins earlier today, Paterson told reporters he will be governor "tomorrow." But when asked if he would governor next week, he did not reply. Senator Bill Perkins, who holds Gov. David Paterson's old Senate seat, thinks time may be on Paterson's side because of "scandal fatigue."

Yes, scandal fatigue, which afflicts millions of New Yorkers on a regular basis! Perkins tells the Daily News, "Some of my constituents are obviously very concerned about some of the stories that have come out and concerned that there is a piling on to some extent that’s taking place...and therefore to some extent concerned about the unfairness, what they consider to be unfairness." Ask your doctor about Scandaloft, the number one proven medication for alleviating symptoms of ambivalence, nihilism, and dread!

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

By John Del Signore in News on March 4, 2010 3:40 PM

Comments [rss]

cleanupnynow

Scandal fatigue. Are you for real?

It is not surprising to those who know David Paterson that he has self-destructed. It has been a known fact that David Paterson and his people are an unqualified, incompetent crew.

Paterson’s incompetence is evident in the “The Democratic Conference: Organizational and Operational Structure Report”, which indicates that Paterson’s Senate Minority office, headed by the highly inept Michael Jones-Bey - whom was more interested in partying and boozing than working - was completely dysfunctional. Not surprising Mr. Jones-Bey got promoted to head the Division of Minority & Women Owned Business Development (DMWBD) at New York State’s Empire State Development Corporation for his partying.

http://www.politico.com/static/PPM110_demreportfinal.html

What is much more disturbing to many than the incompetence indicated in the report, are the blatant transgressions of law David Paterson and his staff have engaged in - lying under oath/perjury, covering up a domestic violence assault, obstruction of justice, ethics violations.

David Paterson needs to RESIGN NOW and bring Dave Johnson, Mr. Jones-Bey, Clemmie Harris, Indira Noel, Gabrielle Turner with him. Get him and them off the public payroll now.

cleanupnynow

Paterson should listen to many democrats whom are calling for his resignation.

For too long David Paterson has listened to unqualified, incompetent hacks - Dave Johnson, Harry Corbitt, Clemmie Harris, Michael Jones-Bey – this needs to stop now.

First, David Paterson engages in a GROSS ABUSE of office by engaging in obstruction of justice by intimidating a victim of domestic not to press charges, and then tries to up and make the incident just “go away”.

Now we have assertions from the Commission on Public Integrity that he violated to public officers law by taking gifts from lobbyists, and worse that he lied under oath about the matter – PERJURY.

Is David Paterson for real?

David Paterson needs to RESIGN.

GET HIM AND ALL HIS CRONIES OUT NOW.

schadenfreudian mensch

Like rats on a sinking ship they all know when to start wearing the life preservers.

JenChungsBaby

Oh no, what will the people of New York do without Peter Kauffman as the governor's communications director?

Keep the hits coming! I think Paterson should stay in office until everyone else resigns.