David Paterson Launches Reelection Campaign
The two ads tell Paterson's personal story and defend his record as governor, which began in March 2008 after then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in scandal.
"Some say I shouldn't be running for governor," Paterson says in an ad called "Some Say." "It might have been easier if all I thought about was running for governor. But I think it's more important to do what's right for the people of New York."
The ad "When," shown above, emphasizes that Paterson came into office during the recession and highlights his personal biography.
The Democratic governor is also hiring Harold Ickes, former President Bill Clinton's Deputy Chief of Staff, to help with his campaign, CBS 2 in New York reports.
Just as of last month, Paterson had said he was unsure about pursuing a full term.
A Quinnipiac poll put the governor's approval rating at a dismal 30 percent. In a hypothetical primary matchup, popular state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo pummeled Paterson, 61 percent to 19 percent. The poll indicated Cuomo could beat potential Republican opponent Rudy Giuliani in a general election matchup, but that Paterson could not.
The Obama administration has pressured the governor to drop out of the running.
