Governor Paterson said Friday he's focused on the State budget. But there's a lot of focus on two scandals threatening his job. The governor is facing allegations that he and his staff interfered in a domestic violence case involving a top aide. He's also accused of violating a gift ban by accepting World Series tickets and lying about it.
"If they are true, I think that he's going to have a very difficult time in leading the State, and governing, and then it's up to him to do the right thing for the people of the State of NY," said Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D).
Senator John DeFrancisco (R) says, "The thing that's concerning to me is how could the Attorney General, in the first place, investigate this thing when he's chomping at the bit to become the next governor and secondly why would the investigation take 30 days."
While the Governor says he expects to clear his name quickly, the State is facing a multi-billion dollar budget gap.
"I think that he should turn over day to day negotiations of a new State budget to Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch," said State Senator Dave Valesky (D).
While Paterson's problems have become front and center, the big question: Will it become too big a distraction? Senator DeFrancisco says Paterson has done his part with the budget, and lawmakers don't need him now. There are tough decisions to be made, even with the side show.
Assemblyman Magnarelli says, "If we get too bogged down in all of these other issues then we're not going to be able to focus on the things that have to be done."
"It will be used as an excuse by those legislators who don't want to do what they're supposed to be doing," Senator DeFrancisco said.
On Tuesday, Quinnipiac released a poll saying 61 percent of New Yorkers thought the governor should stay in office despite the scandal. On Friday, that number dropped to 46 percent.
"I don't have any plans to resign. I am working on the business of the people of New York state," Governor Paterson said Friday.
