Obama Asks NY Gov. Paterson to Withdraw from 2010 Race

New York Governor David Paterson, one of two African-American governors, and the only blind governor, was asked by the White House to withdraw from New York’s 2010 governor’s race for fear that Paterson cannot regroup from a series of political setbacks, The New York Times reported today.

The Obama administration is worried Paterson’s unpopularity could also drag down Democratic members of Congress in New York and the Democratic-controlled state legislature in the November 2010 election, the Times said.

Citing an administration official, the Times reported that Obama’s request that Paterson step aside was put forward by political advisers to the President, but approved by him.

Obama’s unusual request that Paterson not seek to remain in the office he assumed last year was conveyed by U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, who is close to the administration, the Times said.

“The whole idea is to get me not to run in the primary,” Paterson complained on a morning radio show hosted by Daily News columnist Errol Louis. “We’re not in the post-racial period,” he added.

“The reality is the next victim on the list – and you can see it coming – is President Barack Obama, who did nothing more than try to reform a health care system.”

Well, President Obama also has a habit of tossing allies under the bus. That certainly could cost him reelection.

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