NY Papers: Paterson Has To Go

Nice to see the old media catching up with the new.

Today both the New York Post and Daily News have editorial urging the accidental Governor to resign.

From the NYDN:

Like most New Yorkers, the Daily News greeted David Paterson's ascension to the governorship with best wishes and fervent hope for success in endeavors suddenly assumed. Today, just shy of two years later, we urge Paterson to step down immediately.

It is clear that the governor tolerated domestic abuse accusations against his closest confidante, and there is a suggestion that he joined state troopers in a campaign of witness tampering to shield the aide from prosecution.

In either case, Paterson has given cause to doubt his word and his judgment, breaking a fundamental bond with the public - the bond of trust.

Having demeaned his high office, having exposed a character flaw that plays out as a truth deficit, Paterson is punchline rather than punch. He does not have the capacity to confront the state's economic challenges.

And the guy just doesn't get it.

The Post cuts right to it.

It's time for David Paterson to close out his role in one of the strangest episodes in New York history -- and turn over the affairs of state to his lieutenant governor, Richard Ravitch.

We don't prescribe this lightly.

But new developments make it painfully clear that the accidental governor lacks the credibility to effectively see New York through its current crises.

The latest: Paterson and the State Police apparently tried to dissuade a woman from seeking an order of protection against a key gubernatorial aide, David Johnson.

And that he has no hope of gaining it.

Yes, Paterson on Wednesday authorized Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to begin a criminal investigation of the matter.

But because we have no doubt that Cuomo will do his duty in this regard, we also don't doubt that the episode will end in tears -- if not for Paterson, then for his aide and for who knows how many other administration officials.

The scandal, of course, is just the latest in a string of Paterson fiascos -- ranging from his allegedly politically motivated awarding of a casino contract to months of nonfeasance in the conduct of his daily duties -- that has reduced state government to a sad, shabby joke.

Simply put, David Paterson is unqualified to hold the office he inherited when the equally scandal-scarred Eliot Spitzer resigned it two years ago.

Paterson's public-safety czar, Denise O'Donnell, jumped ship yesterday, and we doubt she'll be the last.

The New York Times, which has helped grease the skids for Paterson, simply has questions for Dave.