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Paterson Leaked False Dirt on Caroline

Tax/nanny issues a mirage

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2009 12:23 PM CST
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(Newser) – When Caroline Kennedy ended her Senate campaign, David Paterson’s administration leaked confidential and misleading information about her, the New York Times reports. Paterson aides told reporters that Kennedy had “a definite tax issue” and “a nanny problem” that “she didn’t want to become public.” But those issues—a few hundred dollar tax lien in 1994, and an expired visa for a nanny hired in the '80s—were minor and resolved long ago.

Eliot Spitzer’s aides used similar tactics against state Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno, forcing many to resign under charges that they’d violated the state’s Public Officers Law. Those repercussions are unlikely in this case, even though Paterson admits the leaks were wrong. “People who work for you should know better,” he said, but “I’m not throwing anyone under the bus.”

New York Gov. David Paterson speaks during a news conference in Albany, NY, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008.
New York Gov. David Paterson speaks during a news conference in Albany, NY, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008.   (AP Photo)
In this Dec. 26, 2008 file photo, Caroline Kennedy speaks during an interview in New York.
In this Dec. 26, 2008 file photo, Caroline Kennedy speaks during an interview in New York.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)
New York Gov. David Paterson, left, and Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, appear at a news conference in Albany, NY, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.
New York Gov. David Paterson, left, and Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, appear at a news conference in Albany, NY, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
In this Dec. 17, 2008 file photo, Caroline Kennedy listens to a reporter's question during a news conference at City Hall in Buffalo, NY.
In this Dec. 17, 2008 file photo, Caroline Kennedy listens to a reporter's question during a news conference at City Hall in Buffalo, NY.   (AP Photo/Don Heupel, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Feb 5, 2009 3:00 AM CST
I didn't understand why he was courting Caroline when he states now that he'd made his decision ages ago.
bacimom
Feb 4, 2009 3:32 AM CST
Justice may be blind, but theis blind man is not just. Mrs. Schlossberg didn't deserve the post but that's no excuse. Whatever her reasons for getting out ot the choice are hers to shout from the rooftops not his.
Shannonals
Feb 4, 2009 2:46 AM CST
It's politics a usual

Even the smear campaign was incompetent
Gawker

Hired PR gun behind Kennedy leaks
New York Daily News

Where's the outrage over Kennedy's treatment?
The Daily News

 
Hillary Clinton • New York • Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg • press leaks • David Paterson • Senate seat

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