Mar 13, 2008 8:16 pm US/Eastern
Paterson Poised To Rule, But Where Does He Stand?
'West Side Liberal' Will Be Shock To Some Systems
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
As the initial shock that followed news of Gov. Eliot Spitzer's scandal continues to subside throughout New York and most of the world, there is one man who by the role he inherits has become the beacon of hope in one of the state's darkest political hours.
David Paterson was known by very few outside the realms of state government, but now, the legally blind, African-American man of good humor is poised to take over New York's government, and as those who know him speak out on his character, it seems New Yorkers are ready to embrace him.
To many New Yorkers, the soon-to-be governor is a virtual unknown. But he's about to assume a vast amount of power and influence over the Empire State. So even after Paterson addressed the media for the first time on Thursday since news of Spitzer's scandal rocked the political and public spheres, many are wondering where he stands on the issues, and where his dealing with them will lead the administration.
"David Paterson is a west side liberal, he's a liberal," said Norman Adler.
He's known as a fiercely independent figure. But ideologically he's a proud liberal. He was arrested in 1999 at 1 Police Plaza for protesting the police shooting of Armadou Diallo. Three years later, he was arrested again for protesting the Rockefeller drug laws. He's often taken positions to the left of the Democrat he's replacing officially on Monday.
Unlike Spitzer, he opposed the death penalty and the so-called 'Baby AIDS Bill' requiring newborns to be tested for HIV. He also supports the commuter tax for people working in New York City, one of many issues that directly impact Big Apple residents.
Like most New York City liberals, he supports abortion rights, gay marriage and stem cell research.
At Thursday's press conference, the incoming governor was asked how his views might change.
"There are some points of views I've changed over the years but I'm pretty much the same person," replied a witty Paterson, who several times provoked outbursts of laughter from reporters in attendance.
Occasionally, Paterson has defied liberal orthodoxy, notably with his support for charter schools, which conservatives fervently support.
Now observers are wondering what he will do now that he's no longer just representing Harlem.
"He's going to have to find issues to deal with that are attractive to a variety of sections for the state and people within his own party. Everybody in the Democratic Party up in Albany is NOT a liberal," said Adler.
The question is which of his positions he'll push for and which ones he'll put on the back burner. Spitzer promised to help make New York the first state to pass a gay marriage bill, only time will tell how Paterson responds as governor, but regardless, it's been an interesting introduction.
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