Albany - Democrat Governor David Paterson announced that he will not seek election following his current term. Paterson assumed office from Eliot Spitzer in March 2008, following Spitzer's resignation after a prostitution scandal.

Paterson's administration and the governor himself has recently been plagued with controversy regarding a domestic abuse claim against one of his top aides.

The state's first black governor and the second legally blind governor in the nation's history, he acknowledged his own extramarital affairs and past drug use shortly after assuming office.

Paterson held a press conference announcing his decision not to seek election after his current term expires. The surprising announcement dispelled Paterson's previous declaration, made on February 9, that "The only way I'm not going to be governor next year is at the ballot box, and the only way that I'll be leaving before is in a box."

In his address the governor indicated that "I have fought for 25 years for the quality of life for families, special interests, and many other improvements, however, every decision I have made I have always asked 'Are we doing the right thing for the people of New York?'"

A composed Paterson avowed "I have never forgotten my oath, nor my responsibility to serve the people of New York with faith and integrity." Paterson went on to itemize policies and laws enacted during his administration, including the reduction of more than $33 billion in deficits, and hopes that by April that figure will be $40 billion, commenting that "This is more than three times what existed before, and more than six times over a normal two year period."

Elaborating that his administration has kept pace with and fought for fiscal rescue, improved knowledge, technology and innovation policies, the fair treatment of women in business, and eradicating the Rockefeller drug laws, Paterson offered "I have introduced landmark legislation on reforming pension, health insurance coverage, and mortgage loans...and all of these measures have improved the quality of life for New Yorkers and will have value for generations to come."

"Up until the last few days, I was looking forward to participating in future changes for New York, but I am being realistic about politics. There are times not to strive for service but to step back. That moment has come for me. Therefore, I am ending my campaign for governor, as it has become increasingly clear to me that I cannot run for office and try to manage state business at the same time."

"I have never abused my office - not now - not ever, and I believe when the facts are reviewed the truth will prevail" Paterson promised. "I am being realistic about politics," he said. "It hasn't been the latest distraction, it's been an accumulation of obstacles."

"There are 308 days left in my term, and New York is facing serious challenges. We have to come together in a non-partisan way to address these issues, including the budget, massive deficits, families struggling for survival, businesses closing, and New Yorkers losing their jobs."

"Right now, what we need is a governor who will devote his full attention to those issues and other issues that come into this jurisdiction," he said. "I hope that history will remember that I fought the good fight, that I did what was hard and that I put the people first."

Paterson went on to thank his staff, and in response to his February 9 statement, replied "Well, I am leaving because of the ballot box as it is hard to elect someone who is not running."

"I signed on for public service and have been disturbed that for the past three weeks, both disparaging and untrue statements have been made. . .we are people, and not cartoon characters, with many trying to do a good job. I hope more respect will be extended to others in the future than my wife, staff and I received, but I am not angry about it. I rest assured I did my best, and made a lot of difficult decisions, many times standing alone, and I am perfectly satisfied with that" Paterson concluded.