ANOTHER DEM IN TROUBLE – AT 9:55 A.M. ET:   This is New York, and we do scandals big time.  None of this little stuff like stealing the public treasury.  Our previous governor, Eliot Spitzer, had to resign when he got caught, literally, with his pants down, with a lady of the evening. 

Now his replacement, David Paterson, whose approval rating is lower than the margin of error, is the subject of the biggest political rumor mill I've seen in New York politics in years:

ALBANY -- An embattled Gov. Paterson yesterday strongly denied rampant rumors of extramarital affairs and drug use as he blasted the media for printing "callous and sleazy" allegations.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Paterson lashed out at the press for "stretching the bounds of journalism" in an effort to confirm reports and gossip about his personal escapades.

The rumors have fueled rampant speculation that the governor is about to resign.

"For the last couple of weeks, I have been the subject of what, even by Albany standards, has been a spate of outrageous rumors about me," Paterson said.

The problem is, when he came into office he admitted to extramarital recreation, so his denials now seem weak. 

"There is an accountability that should exist in the media. How do I get my reputation back?" the governor continued.

"Because I don't believe I have done anything to deserve this kind of bashing."

The Democratic Party wants Paterson, who is up for election to a full term this year, to step aside in favor of a more powerful candidate.  Paterson doesn't want to bail out. 

Were the rumors started by political opponents? 

There is substantial buzz that The New York Times has a devastating story on Paterson in the works, but The Times has not confirmed it.

The governorship of New York has always been a prize, and occupants are often viewed as possible presidents.  The state's attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, wants the job.  There are even rumors that Hillary Clinton has her eye on the governor's mansion.

Stay tuned.  This may get juicy.

February 9, 2010