Paterson expected to skip bid for New York governor

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David Paterson, who became governor of New York when Eliot Spitzer, his predecessor, was forced to quit in disgrace, is expected to announce that he will not seek election this year because of another scandal.

Paterson, the son of a prominent political family, may announce his withdrawal Friday. He has already told some political allies including officials in Washington and the decision was reported in a variety of newspapers.

“There has been a lot of back-and-forth in the past few months,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine said in an interview on MSNBC. “He came into office under very, very difficult circumstances but I respect his decision. The party will have to pull together to find another nominee.”

Just days ago, Paterson announced his intention to run this November. But his withdrawal comes amid recent reports that his administration may have interfered in a police probe involving a top aide accused in an incident of domestic violence.

-- Geraldine Baum, reporting from New York, and Michael Muskal, reporting from Los Angeles

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