Feb 6, 2009 11:23 am US/Eastern
Watchdog Demands Investigation Into Kennedy Leak
Advocate Tells CBS 2 HD He Plans To File Complaint
If Investigation Uncovers Violations, Paterson Could Be Sued By Princess Of Camelot
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg waits for the start of the third presidential debate in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University on Oct. 15, 2008 in Hempstead, N.Y.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Gov. David Paterson isn't off the hook for the leaks about Caroline Kennedy. A government watchdog is demanding that the state's Commission on Public Integrity investigate, just as it did for leaks during Eliot Spitzer's "Troopergate" case.
Paterson may be hesitant to cast stones at the members of his staff responsible for anonymous attacks on Caroline Kennedy after she withdrew from Senate contention, but public watchdogs are ready to throw stones at him.
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Government reform advocate Blair Horner of the New York Public Research Interest Group wants the Commission on Public Integrity to investigate leaks by Paterson's office that Kennedy wasn't picked to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton because of "potentially embarrassing personal issues" including allegations of a tax problem, a nanny issue, and whispers of marital distress.
"The public has every right to expect that if people misbehave in public office. Again, they're there as public servants, they misbehave, if in fact that's what happened, that they get punished for it," said Horner.
And there's another potential problem for the governor. Officials at the state Committee on Open Government tell CBS 2 that that if the information came from a confidential questionnaire filled out by Kennedy, it could be a violation of the state's personal privacy protection law.
Kennedy, who lives on Park Avenue, could sue Paterson.
Do voters think the leaks should be probed? We asked some:
"I think that any kind of wrongdoing or corruption in the government should be investigated," said Manhattan resident Tara Shimooka.
"She's not part of the government. It shouldn't be investigated," said Riverdale resident Georgette Reitman.
There was no response from the Kennedy camp about what the Princess of Camelot plans to do about the leaks and the damage to her reputation.
A spokesman for the Commission on Public Integrity said he was not allowed by law to confirm whether there is a probe. He said, however, the commission would be obligated to act if a complaint was made.
Blair Horner said he intends to file such a complaint.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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