Gov. Paterson Responds And Asks Attorney General Cuomo To Investigate

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Lazio says it should not be Cuomo who investigates

The following statement has been released by Gov. David Paterson:

"Serious questions have been raised about contact the State Police may have had with a private citizen who filed a complaint against a member of my staff. Any allegation of improper influence must be investigated thoroughly and completely.

"Superintendent Harry Corbitt has directed the State Police to conduct an internal investigation into this matter. I have full faith and trust in the integrity and ability of the State Police to conduct a thorough investigation.

"Because of the seriousness of these allegations, and the sensitive role of this staff member in my Administration, I am asking the Attorney General to investigate the matter to ensure in the public's mind that a comprehensive and independent inquiry has been conducted. Pending the outcome of the investigation, I am suspending David Johnson without pay."

Meanwhile, GOP gubernatorial candidate Ric Lazio says Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is the last man to investigate this story because, says Lazio, Cuomo may be the one who fed the story to the Times in an effort to force Paterson off the Democrat ticket. 

 However, Lazio is calling on Paterson to release all information regarding the charges against his administraion.

Recent polls indicate that if the election were held today, Lazio would beat both Paterson and Cuomo but the race with Cuomo would be much closer.