LAZIO CALLS ON THE TIMES TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP

Paterson aide says the rumor is much ado about nothing

Ric Lazio, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination for governor, has issued a statement calling on the New York Times to publish "the story" or  tell the public there is nothing to all the rumors about Gov. Paterson being forced to resign.

Lazio's statement: “The rumors about the Governor are a sad reflection of Albany politics,” Lazio said. “No public official deserves to be the subject of over a week of innuendo and nasty speculation. If the New York Times is working on or has a story then they should confirm or print it. If they do not, then they have an obligation to stop this rumor mongering right now. Common decency demands it.”

Meanwhile, aides to Gov. Paterson say that this latest round of rumors is filthy even by Albany standards.