David Paterson Appears to Avoid NYT "Bombshell," Defends Aide
The Times reports on Johnson's history of arrests on felony drug charges as a minor, as well as alleged altercations with women.
Paterson released a statement, Politico's Ben Smith reports, disputing the Times' allegations about Johnson's history of violence against women.
"The more recent allegations reported on by the Times would be extremely troubling if true – but the conclusions reached by the Times report are not supported by the facts," Paterson said. "There is no independent evidence presented that would substantiate any claims of violence committed by David Johnson against a woman, a fact underscored by the absence of a single judicial finding that any such incident ever took place."
Paterson also defended Johnson's offenses as a minor.
"David Johnson's growth as a political professional has surprised even his greatest advocates, and I am proud that he has demonstrated what someone can accomplish when given a second chance," he said. "Mistakes committed during one's youth are determined by law to be kept sealed for a reason – to give a young person a second chance at a productive life."