FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Embattled New York Governor David Paterson insists resignation is "off the table." Maybe he should think again.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/02/art.paterson.jpg caption="New York Gov. David Paterson"]
The New York Times reports the governor personally directed two state employees to contact the woman who accused his aide of assault.
Paterson allegedly told his press secretary to ask the woman to publicly describe the episode as non-violent.
The woman has accused Paterson aide David Johnson of choking her, smashing her into a mirrored dresser and preventing her from calling 9-1-1. A sort of violent non-violent.
According to the article, The governor also asked another state employee to contact the woman before she was to appear in court. That same employee set up a phone call between the governor and the woman.
And it apparently went just like it was supposed to. The woman never showed up in court and the case was dropped. Paterson could face criminal charges for his role in this. If he helped lead an effort to influence the accuser, he should.
The governor, of course, denies any wrongdoing... saying he "never abused the governor's office. Not now, not ever."
Last week, he announced he's ending his campaign for election. But he is refusing to resign and just go away. Paterson says he retains enough authority to govern New York for the next 10 months. Sounds like he better be retaining a defense lawyer. Even some top Democrats are calling on Paterson to quit.
Chicago's got nothin' on us... Yesterday we told you about Rep. Charlie Rangel being admonished by house ethics committee - he remains under investigation for a basket of other stuff, but he won't step aside either. Rangel is arrogant. In Paterson's case, he's just being dumb.
Here’s my question to you: Why do you suppose New York Governor David Paterson won't just resign?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ronda in Canastota, New York writes:
Jack, You answered the question saying in Paterson's case, he's just plain dumb. The man has no clue, and is so out of touch with reality and with New York. We were much better off with Spitzer, and I wish we had him back (notwithstanding his stint as "Client 9").
D. writes:
He is suffering from the "Charlie Rangel" syndrome: You can't touch me, I'm a politician. What a country!
Amy in New York writes:
Paterson will not resign because that would be an admission of guilt.
Gary in Pennsylvania writes:
Jack, John Wayne’s line comes to mind: "Life is tough. It's a lot tougher when you’re stupid".
Howard in Chicago writes:
Two logical reasons why Governor Paterson won't resign: 1) Ego. 2) Delay to start negotiations to avoid prosecution.
Dan in Virginia writes:
Seriously, what does it take to impeach a politician these days? Apparently incompetence, corruption, obstruction of justice, soliciting sex in an airport men's room and using taxpayer money to hop on a plane to Brazil to be with your mistress without telling anyone aren't bad enough.
Rebecca writes:
It's power, Jack. They won't give up the power. Perhaps we can help them with that come Election Day. At least New Yorkers will be spared voting for Paterson again, they get to vote for a whole new set of power-hungry power brokers.
Ed in Maryland writes:
Fear I suppose, fear of having to shave to land another job.
L. writes:
I think Paterson is being bribed to stick around, not by Republicans or Democrats, but by Saturday Night Live. Paterson serves as a great recurring skit.