Here in New York, Governor David Paterson withdrew from the state governor’s race on Friday after being battered by questions of impropriety for his role in a domestic abuse case involving one of his top aides.

David Paterson: “Today I’m announcing that I’m ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York. It has become increasingly clear to me in the last few days that I cannot run for office and try to manage the state’s business at the same time, and right now New York state needs a leader who can devote full time to this service.”

The New York Times revealed last week that Governor Paterson spoke with a woman who had accused the governor’s top aide of assault. After speaking with the governor, the woman failed to appear in court, and her case was dismissed.