NY Gov. Paterson mum as scandal claims top cop

[March 03, 2010]  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York Gov. David Paterson remains defiant in the midst of a rapidly growing scandal that has now claimed two top law enforcement officials and threatens to take down his administration.

Just hours after Paterson told reporters Tuesday that he wouldn't resign because of his intervention in the domestic violence case involving a key aide, State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt abruptly announced he would retire effective Wednesday. Last week, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O'Donnell quit after criticizing contact that Paterson, his staff and the state police had with the woman at the center of the domestic assault.

Whether Paterson or members of his administration face criminal charges will depend on exactly what they said during phone conversations with the woman, a former prosecutor said.

The embattled Paterson said Tuesday he'll soon give his side of the scandal that continues to chip away at his administration. Amid support from lawmakers and some calls for him to resign, the governor would only say he wouldn't be stepping down.

Paterson's office announced a cabinet meeting for Wednesday to discuss the state's $8 billion budget deficit, underscoring the governor's intention to appear in control and steer attention from the scandal and back to state business.

On Halloween in the Bronx, Sherruna Booker told police she was roughed up by Paterson aide David Johnson, her boyfriend at the time, but she decided not to press charges. At issue is whether Paterson or anyone from his staff or security detail influenced her decision.

Paterson has acknowledged that he spoke with Booker but said she initiated the call. He said he did not try to get her to change her story or tell her not to pursue a charge. The New York Times provided new details Tuesday on Paterson's involvement in the matter, reporting that the governor had personally directed two state employees to contact the woman.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo -- often mentioned as a potential gubernatorial candidate by the very critics dogging Paterson -- is investigating those contacts. Any criminal case will hinge on whether Paterson, staff members or state bodyguards tried to get Booker to change her story, making charges of witness tampering or obstructing justice possible.

Arriving at a fundraiser in Manhattan, Cuomo said he hadn't spoken to Paterson yet but that the governor's office had cooperated. He gave no timetable for completing the investigation.

Paul DerOhannesian, a former Albany County prosecutor, said the new revelations don't seal a case against Paterson or his administration.

"We don't know what was said, and that's very important," he said. He said that while it's highly unusual for a victim to be contacted by state police when they have no jurisdiction, or for Paterson and his employees to contact the woman, "the next question is, 'What was said?' We don't know."

Corbitt told an Albany television station that intense media scrutiny over the scandal was a factor in his planned departure Wednesday.

O'Donnell, Corbitt's boss, resigned a week ago, saying that direct contact by the governor and troopers with the woman was "unacceptable" regardless of their intent. At the time, she said Corbitt had assured her that state police were not involved in the investigation.

Paterson refused to comment on whether he had asked Corbitt to step down.

State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs met in the governor's mansion Tuesday with Paterson, a longtime friend who gave him the chairman's job. Jacobs wouldn't divulge details of Paterson's version of the scandal.

"I did not get the sense that the governor is considering resignation, that resignation is pending," Jacobs said.

The National Organization for Women called for Paterson's resignation early Tuesday despite his policy record of "excellent" on women's issues.

Some leading Democrats have said he should resign to avoid further damage to the party in the November midterm elections.

Even Democratic U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, whom Paterson appointed last year, said Tuesday that he would have to resign if allegations that he abused his power are proven true.

But Paterson has started to see some support, too, unseen in more than three weeks of scandal that forced him to end his campaign for a full term on Friday.

Five Latino legislators, all Democrats, met with Paterson about budget appropriations and needs of their communities then approached reporters waiting outside the mansion.

"No one has criticized the governor more than I have," said Sen. Ruben Diaz of the Bronx. "Right now, we are supporting the governor to stay until the investigation is resolved."

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL GORMLEY and VALERIE BAUMAN]

Associated Press writer Cristian Salazar in New York contributed to this report.

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