New York - David Paterson, who became governor of New York when his predecessor was forced to resign in disgrace, announced on Friday that he will not seek election this year, driven from office by a scandal involving a top aide.
Paterson, whose almost two years in office were a whirlwind of crisis, said he will stay in office until his term legally ends, but he won't seek election to the office. He also defended his tenure in a televised news conference and pledged to continue working on the state's problems.
"Up until the last few days, I was looking forward to participating in that work in a full four-year term," Paterson said. "But I am being realistic about politics. It hasn't been the latest distraction, it's been an accumulation of obstacles that have obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public.
"Therefore, there are times in politics when you have to know not to strive for service but to step back. And that moment has come for me," he said.
"Today, I am announcing I am ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York," he said. His wife Michelle stood by his side, eyes red-rimmed and looking weary in a black suit.
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