NY Gov. Paterson, hounded by aide scandal and lacking party support, vows to run for full term

NY gov hurt by scandal, no support but plows ahead

ALBANY, N.Y — Democratic New York Gov. David Paterson finds himself weakened by an adviser’s domestic-violence scandal and with little support in his party as he vows to accomplish his two goals of saving the state from insolvency and running for a full term.

Now even his longtime friends say he may soon have to choose just one.

On Thursday, Paterson was hit by press reports he and state police contacted a woman involved in a Halloween confrontation with one of his aides at her home. That prompted some key Democrats to urge Paterson to drop his underdog bid for election.

Hours later, Paterson’s criminal justice czar resigned.

Baruch (buh-ROOK’) College Professor Doug Muzzio (MOO’-zee-oh) says he thinks Paterson is so weak he’ll be unable to meet either goal.