N.Y. Gov. David Paterson won't seek full term

The Democratic Party's relentless drive to replace New York Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat himself, has been slightly mistifying.

Paterson became governor two years ago because a Democratic Party insider, Gov. Elliot Spitzer, was forced to resign two years ago over his wild spree with prostitutes. Paterson, who seems to have tried to protect his aide David W. Johnson from domestic violence charges, today announced he won't run for a full term because he allegedly asked the woman victim not to testify against Johnson.

Now all the usual New York Democratic insiders are lining up to take Paterson's job. And they've never used their influence to help a friend? It just seems odd that Paterson is singled out.

Frank Warner