Rochester Business Journal on Leader Kolb’s Reaction to Paterson Ending His Election Bid

Paterson Ends Election Bid

By THOMAS ADAMS

Gov. David Paterson on Friday announced he will not run for a full four-year term.

“Today I am announcing that I am ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York,” Paterson said during a mid-afternoon news conference.

”It has become increasingly clear to me in the last few days that I cannot run for office and try to manage the state’s business at the same time. And right now, New York State needs a leader to devote full-time to this service.”

Several media outlets had reported Friday morning Paterson would cease his campaign in the wake of news this week a chief aide was involved in domestic violence against the aide’s girlfriend.

Paterson said his decision to end his campaign was not based on any single event, but rather a series of events.

Paterson has suspended the aide and has asked Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to investigate.

“Gov. Paterson’s expected announcement today that he will not stand for election was the right thing to do,” said Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua and minority leader of the state Assembly, in a statement prior to Paterson’s announcement.

“I and many other legislators in both houses, from both parties, have serious concerns about the allegations and how they have made it nearly impossible for the people’s business to move forward.”

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