Paterson Scandal Widens

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Paterson is Said to Have Directed Calls to Accuser.” It describes a widening of the charges against the Governor in the domestic violence case against a key aide, David W. Johnson.

The scandal had previously involved the use of the State Police and a direct call from the Governor prior to the woman failing to appear in Court. It now also involves contacts by two other aides, one of whom was unable to reach her.

This all suggests a more concerted campaign by the Governor to get the woman to drop the charges. And the involvement of such a powerful man, meddling in a domestic violence case, does suggest the Governor should seriously consider resigning.

I don’t understand how top officials such as the Governor could engage in such actions. Surely, they understand how much they are under a microscope while in high office. But Governor Paterson, and Governor Spitzer before him, engaged in questionable activities, if not downright illegal acts, while in the most powerful office in the state.

You would think that at that point in their political career, they would learn that discretion is the better part of valor. At least for the length of their terms serving the people, they should engage in some elemental restraint.