The news just keeps getting worse for New York Gov. David Paterson… Not only has a scandal involving his aide cost him his re-election, but now as more details emerge Paterson may be facing criminal charges:
Mr. Paterson instructed his press secretary, Marissa Shorenstein, to ask the woman to publicly describe the episode as nonviolent, according to a third person, who was briefed on the matter. That description would contradict the woman’s accounts to the police and in court.
Mr. Paterson also enlisted another state employee, Deneane Brown, a friend of both the governor and the accuser, to make contact with the woman before she was due in court to finalize an order of protection against the aide, David W. Johnson, the two people with direct knowledge said. Ms. Brown, an employee of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, reached out to the woman on more than one occasion over a period of several days and arranged a phone call between the governor and the woman, Mr. Johnson’s companion.
After the calls from Ms. Brown and the conversation with the governor, the woman failed to appear for the court hearing on Feb. 8, and the case was dropped.
These accounts provide the first evidence that Mr. Paterson helped direct an effort to influence the accuser.
Hmmm, a shade of obstruction of justice?
In light of how fast Paterson’s crashed and burned, I cannot help but wonder if somebody deep within the Democrat establishment ordered a full vetting of Paterson. The New York governor has been known to duel with President Obama and his White House, and with party leaders. This investigation and the details it revealed came at an interesting time in the campaign when it’s known that many Democrats prefer Paterson to retire after his term and make room for other more “electable” candidates.
