NY Dems Asked White House to Intervene on Paterson

House members held multiple closed-door meetings with Emanuel

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2009 6:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama urged New York Gov. David Paterson not to run in next year's election only after members of Congress, nervous about the party's prospects with Paterson at the top of the ticket, lobbied Rahm Emanuel for help. The 2010 election features not only a race for governor but also the first statewide test for Kirsten Gillibrand, whom Paterson appointed to the Senate, and there are more than a half-dozen vulnerable House Democrats. "When you have the top of the ticket not running well, that affects everyone," one pollster tells Politico.

Paterson defied Obama's request, insisting this week that "you don't give up," but only 14% of voters say he deserves a full term. Gillibrand is also polling poorly, with just a 26% job approval rating—and rumors are circulating that George Pataki, New York's last Republican governor, could run against her. Rep. Mike McMahon, a freshman with uncertain reelection prospects, welcomed Obama's intervention: "It’s important that we have the best team up and down the ticket, and that’s what we’re doing."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Gov. David Paterson both face uphill battles for re-election next year in New York. (AP Photo/Tim Roske, FILE)

New York Gov. David Paterson, under pressure to drop out of the gubernatorial race, listens to another speaker during a gathering Tuesday Sept. 22, 2009 in New York. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)

President Barack Obama is greeted by New York Gov. David Paterson after arriving at Albany International Airport in Colonie, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

New York Governor David Paterson marches in the African American Day Parade in New York, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Edouard H.R.Gluck)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

proud_prude

Sep 25, 2009 6:59 AM CDT

For the inforrnation Queen was referring to watch John Stewart's Tues. or Wed. show. The speaker clairned the hornphobia of sorne adolescent boys is a good thing that should be ernulated by all.

doingtherightthing

Sep 24, 2009 12:52 PM CDT

a house divided will fall. Democrats in NY have issues. Rudy's looming on the fringe ready to be governor. Pataki will slip into the senate. Like I said: the blue state is going to be a red state........the Obama machine is collapsing.......2010 is a going to be a crappy year for the democrats.......thats a good thing....

QueenAlli

Sep 24, 2009 12:28 PM CDT

Not as much as watching the idiots in your party tell people that you can prevent your son from reading porn if you tell them porn makes them gay. Or not as fun as watching your party led by a crying drama queen (glenn not palin) and a bumbling moron (palin not glenn) and drugged up fat toad.----------------Actually, that's not funny at all, it's embarrassing.

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NY Dems Asked White House to Intervene on Paterson

House members held multiple closed-door meetings with Emanuel

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Rahm Wants Gay Marriage in Illinois

Calls New York's gay marriage law 'very important'

Time Unveils Influential List

A look at some of the more interesting entries from this year's list

Paterson Fined $62K for Freebie Series Tickets

But of course he intended to pay all along

Biden Tries to Quell Democrat Rebellion in House

House Democrats band together to decry deal

Obama Signals Compromise on Bush Tax Cuts

President looks ready to extend all in order to spare middle class

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NY Dems Asked White House to Intervene on Paterson

House members held multiple closed-door meetings with Emanuel

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • New York • Rahm Emanuel • governor • House Democrats • David Paterson • Kirsten Gillibrand • George Pataki

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Rahm Wants Gay Marriage in Illinois

Calls New York's gay marriage law 'very important'

Time Unveils Influential List

A look at some of the more interesting entries from this year's list

Paterson Fined $62K for Freebie Series Tickets

But of course he intended to pay all along

Biden Tries to Quell Democrat Rebellion in House

House Democrats band together to decry deal

Obama Signals Compromise on Bush Tax Cuts

President looks ready to extend all in order to spare middle class

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Newser By Users

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