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Gov. David A. Paterson announces millions in recovery funding that will aid Long Island school districts during a visit to Sequoya Middle School in Holtsville. (Credit: Photo by Ed Betz)

President Barack Obama has requested Gov. David A. Paterson drop out of next years New York governors race, according to a newspaper report.

The New York Times reports today that Obama has requested Paterson step aside because of his persistently low poll ratings, which Democrats worry could hand key state offices and congressional seats to Republicans. The Times, citing anonymous sources,...

President Barack Obama has requested Gov. David A. Paterson drop out of next years New York governors race, according to a newspaper report.

The New York Times reports today that Obama has requested Paterson step aside because of his persistently low poll ratings, which Democrats worry could hand key state offices and congressional seats to Republicans. The Times, citing anonymous sources, reports that Obamas request was conveyed to Paterson by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), a confidante of both men.

The decision to ask Paterson to step aside was proposed by advisers to Obama, but approved by the president himself, an official told the newspaper.

The Obama administration has previously inserted itself into New York Democratic politics when it successfully persuaded Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) not to mount a challenge to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Paterson has come under increasing pressure not to run next year though so far he has ignored these calls. Last week he appointed Richard Fife his campaign manager. Fife was a senior advisor in New York for Obamas presidential campaign.

Paterson could not be reached for comment last night. Some Democrats believe state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, whose popularity hovers around 70 percent, should top the ticket. Staff and wire reports

Originally posted here:
Report: Obama asked Paterson to back out of governor's ...