NY gubernatorial candidate and Tea Party fave Carl Paladino threw down an interesting, inflammatory accusation today—that Governor David Paterson is an drug addict. He told the editorial board of the Watertown Times that Paterson is a "drug addict; he’s been a drug addict his entire life." more ›

Gov. Paterson should be investigated for possibly misusing $1,800 in campaign funds at a Florida Ritz Carlton, a good government group alleges. According to the Daily News, the New York Public Interest Research Group wants the Board of Elections to study campaign credit card charges made at the resort in 2008 and determine if they were "personal in nature and not appropriately expensed to the campaign." In a long-awaited Times story on Paterson's purported laziness, the Governor said he went to Florida to meet with possible campaign donors, but added: "I have a cousin who's ill in Sarasota. I went down to see my cousin." He also said he spent time poolside, and noted it "was kind of vacation-oriented." more ›

After Gov. Paterson announced his plan to implement far-reaching ethics reforms in Albany, the state Senate released its own pared down ethics reform proposal yesterday. The lawmakers' plan would create a new office for investigating ethics violations in legislature and would require elected officials to disclose how much money they earn from outside jobs, according to NY1. But the proposal wouldn't institute statewide campaign finance reform or initiate term limits, like Paterson had suggested. more ›

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is bailing water after remarks he made about then-Senator Barack Obama surfaced in the new book Game Change. Reid reportedly said that Obama's prospects as a presidential candidate were good, because America was ready for a black president who was "light-skinned" with no "Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Today Governor Paterson chimed in, telling reporters, "I thought the comments not only were reprehensible, but it's amazing to think to print a whole book, that so many people saw, and nobody noticed that this ill-chosen remark was in the book? Didn't anybody read the book before they put it out? I find it kind of shocking." Yeah, how could publishers let that controversial, headline-grabbing quote slip through?! Paterson stopped short of calling for Reid's head, maintaining that "when people properly apologize for these types of mistakes that it doesn't merit destroying their careers." more ›

Whoa: The NY Times, Post, and Daily News are reporting the same thing—that Caroline Kennedy has ended her six-week quest to take the junior Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton. (However, a source tells the AP that's not true—see the 11:24 p.m. update below.) more ›

After the traditional thank you's to other legislators and governors past (Carey, Cuomo and Pataki—no Spitzer), Governor David Paterson minced no words and opened his first State of the State address with, "My fellow New Yorkers: Let me come straight to the point - the state of our state is perilous." more ›

Governor David Paterson and wife Michelle Paige Paterson opened the doors of the Governor's Mansion to the public—and the press—yesterday. Politcker NY found the governor "seems to have gotten so frustrated with everything U.S. Senate related that he would rather see a special election to fill the seat." Paterson emphasized he hasn't made a choice yet—but when he does, it's his decision (so stop trying to influence him, various operatives!). Quoting a famous saying from baseball umpire Bill Klein, the governor said, "'It ain't nothing till I calls it'... Pass that along to any of these excited people who think they can influence me." more ›

Now that Caroline Kennedy, scion of a political dynasty, has officially decided she wants to take Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, lawmakers and the public alike are awaiting to know more about her. Sure, she wants to be the junior Senator from New Yorker, but Kennedy has yet to make any public announcements—so far, Governor Paterson has been the one to tell the media, "She told me she was interested in the position." more ›

Governor Paterson has reignited plans on the construction of Moynihan Station, the long-delayed new home of Penn Station in the post office across the street from the current one. Paterson really threw his hat into the ring attempting to stir up excitement and confidence for the new chapter in the saga of the station saying, "We're going to respond to this challenge - and do you know why we're going to respond? There's a new sheriff in town." more ›

Governor David Paterson yesterday continued to deal with what has been the defining issue of his administration thus far, making tough budget cuts in the face of a growing state deficit. The governor vetoed 49 pieces of legislation yesterday, including a bill that would have imposed a one-year moratorium on cuts to the medical benefits of retired public employees and one that would have made it easier for students to receive more state tuition assistance if their parents’ income shrinks because they are called to active military service, become ill or disabled or because of other unforeseen circumstances. more ›

Even a downpour couldn't stop the Gay Pride March down Fifth Avenue yesterday, which attracted half a million participants and an estimated million spectators. Besides the costumed performers, motorcyclists, bands and floats, elected officials were part of the parade. Along with Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Schumer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Governor David Paterson marched and spoke out on behalf of gay rights. more ›

The NY Times conducted a poll amongst over a 1,000 New York residents--931 of them registered voters--to gauge their feelings on New York issues and found most people are worrying about the their economic conditions. more ›