All Eyes on Paterson
September 22nd, 2009
We’ve yet to reach the end of the 2009 political season, and yet for the past two days New York’s political world has been focused on the 2010 gubernatorial race.
President Barack Obama certainly helped fix all eyes on Gov. David Paterson, his sagging poll numbers and the possibility that he will still seek to keep his job next year.
But observers say the most important development may actually have happened this morning, when the Court of Appeals ruled that Paterson’s appointment of Richard Ravitch to be lieutenant governor was legal.
There is a buzz in Albany that the decision may allow Paterson the graceful exit from the governor’s mansion that some say he has been looking for.
Paterson, already significantly weakened by low approval ratings, has been relegated to lame duck status thanks to Obama’s vote of no confidence–just when Paterson must try to marshal the legislature to deal with the growing $2.1 billion budget deficit. Insiders say Paterson faces an impossible task in trying to get the legislature to make concessions to balance the budget. Some expect Paterson could bow out to “spend more time with his family” or “pursue other interests” and allow Ravitch to take over and deal with the deficit reduction talks.
Ravitch has already been primed to focus on the state’s finances, as Paterson tasked him with dealing with the state’s fiscal crisis after appointing him earlier this year. It’s thought that Ravitch would make a much better negotiator than Paterson, since he has a good relationship with the Democratic legislative leaders and is known as an expert negotiator.
Paterson has a reputation for reacting to pressure by digging in his heels and so far that has not changed.
In comments he made to reporters today Paterson insisted that the Ravitch decision has emboldened him to continue campaigning.
“You don’t give up because people tell you what they think is going to happen,” Paterson said. “You don’t give up because people tell you who’s running and who’s not before they ever announce to do it. You don’t give up because you’re unpopular when you feel you’ve made the right decisions and when people get a chance to look at what you’re up against and reflect on it.”
Albany political poet Terry O’Neil shared his take on the situation with the Times Union.
SKELOS V. PATERSON
What has the Court of Appeals just done?
It ruled that Dave his case has won.
With Ravitch firmly at his side,
Into the sunset Dave may ride
And all the problems, all the mess
That vexed poor Dave and gave him stress
Will be on Richard and that’s a plus
’cause every New York train and bus
On Richard’s watch did run on time.
And that’s the ending of my rhyme.
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

