Albany, NY -- Warren Redlich, Republican-Libertarian candidate for New York State Governor (wredlich.com/ny) said, “Gov Paterson’s withdrawal is an important first step in cleaning up Albany. The next step is electing someone who isn’t a product of the “Albany bubble.” My candidacy alone stands for a new way of doing business that will truly cut spending. The lesson from Paterson, Spitzer and Hevesi is that self-indulgent leaders harm New York. We have to focus on policies that help regular people rather than rewarding and protecting insiders.
"Like so many New Yorkers,” stated NYS Assembly Republican Leader Brian K. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua), “I have been deeply concerned about the shocking and serious criminal allegations pending against Governor Paterson's staffer David Johnson. Charges of physical violence perpetrated against women must be investigated with the utmost seriousness and, if proven true, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr Kolb continued, “Governor Paterson's expected announcement today that he will not stand for election was the right thing to do. 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. We are fast approaching our state's April 1 fiscal deadline when the budget is due. We need to get back to business and work toward passing an on time, fiscally responsible budget. New York State cannot afford any more of these distractions."
New York State Assemblywoman said, "If the governor or his senior staff was involved in any way in a domestic violence case, it is a highly inappropriate use of power, and both must be held accountable.”
“It takes strength, trust and courage for a victim to leave an abuser, Ms Paulin emphasized. “The integrity of the system is paramount to encourage victims to come forward, without fear or intimidation.”
“As the former Executive Director of My Sisters' Place, an agency devoted to combating domestic violence, and now as an Assembly member who has passed multiple laws designed to help victims, I find this incident intolerable, " concluded Ms Paulin.
New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said, "I am sure this is a difficult choice and a sad day for the Governor and his family. It is in the best interests of all New Yorkers that the state government function through this difficult time and address the pressing budgetary problems we face. This is an election year and I will announce my plans at the appropriate time. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on my job as Attorney General and the many important issues we are pursuing."
