New York Governor Paterson won't seek re-election (Roundup)

Feb 26, 2010, 20:38 GMT

New York - New York Governor David Paterson announced Friday he will not run for re-election in the wake of allegations he improperly intervened in a legal case involving a top aide.

Paterson, 55, took over two years ago from his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, who resigned after it emerged he was involved with a high- price prostitute. Paterson said he will serve out the remaining ten months of his term.

'It has become increasingly clear to me in the last few days that I cannot run for office and manage the state's business at the same time,' Paterson said.

Paterson denied any wrongdoing and insisted he will be cleared by an investigation.

Paterson, who is legally blind and the state's first African- American governor, was caught up in a scandal for allegedly trying to pressure a woman to back off attempts to have a restraining order placed on an ex-boyfriend who is also Paterson's aide.

The woman told police that the aide, David Johnson, physically assaulted her. Paterson reportedly called her the day before a court hearing. When she didn't show up for the hearing, the judge dropped the case.

The Paterson administration's handling of the case is to be investigated by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who is also expected to make a bid for the governor's mansion this year.

'I am being realistic about politics,' Paterson said.

Leading Democrats worried about the state of the party in New York have urged Paterson to step down, including a number of black Democratic officials, The New York Times reported.