More bad news for Gov. Paterson

Paterson's communications director, Peter E. Kauffmann, resigns.  “As a former officer in the United States Navy, integrity and commitment to public service are values I take seriously,” he said in a statement on his resignation. “Unfortunately, as recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position.”

So, that's a third resignation.  I'm counting the sudden retirement of Harry J. Corbitt, superintendent of the State Police, as a resignation.  Some people foolishly report his leaving as a retirement instead of a resignation.
 
Mr. Kauffmann’s resignation came as Mr. Paterson sought the help of a prominent criminal defense lawyer, Theodore V. Wells Jr. of the firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and as new information emerged indicating that the governor’s contact with Ms. Booker had been more extensive than previously reported.

Two people with direct knowledge of her account said Thursday that after the Feb. 7 conversation, the governor had a series of conversations with Ms. Booker in an effort to control political damage from the episode.

Paterson Loses Aide and Consults Lawyer