David Paterson returning to his hometown on Long Island to announce bid for governor

Paterson’s gov bid begins in Long Island hometown

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — New York’s governor returns Saturday to his childhood hometown on Long Island to announce plans to seek a full four-year term.

David Paterson kicks off a two-day statewide tour at Hofstra University in Hempstead (HEHMP’-stehd), Long Island. He has an appearance in Rochester later Saturday.

Paterson got the job in 2008 after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer quit amid a sex scandal. His popularity peaked later that summer as he warned of an impending budget crisis. Less than two years later, his ratings are in the cellar.

It’s widely expected that Andrew Cuomo (KWOH’-moh) will challenge him in a Democratic primary.

Some residents in Hempstead say they’re willing to give the “accidental governor” a second look.