David Paterson: "The Truth Will Prevail"
"There are times in politics when you have to know not to strive for service but to step back, and that moment has come for me," said Paterson, who vowed to serve out the remainder of his term despite some calls for his resignation. He said he is being "realistic about politics."
"I cannot run for office and try to manage the state's business at the same time, and right now New York State needs a leader who can devote full time to this service," he added.
The Democratic governor said he welcomed an investigation into his conduct and that of his staff by New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo, who is expected to enter the governor's race. Paterson offered what he called an "oath" that he did nothing wrong.
"I have never abused my office, not now, not ever," Paterson said, his hand in the air as if he were being sworn into court.
He added that once all the facts emerge, "the truth will prevail."
He complained of three weeks of "unsubstantiated rumors" concerning what would eventually be reported about him, telling reporters it was "impossible and very difficult for me to stop that." The governor said the situation was "painful" and that he and his family were "disparaged without sources" and "accused of things we didn't do."
Paterson suggested he and his family had become "sort of celebrity cartoon characters to make fun of." He said he was proud of how he handled the rumors and said he hoped people would be more respectful in the future.
"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," said the governor.
Earlier this month, Paterson was insistent he would neither resign nor end his campaign.
"The only way I'm not going to be governor next year is at the ballot box, and the only way I'll be leaving office before is in a box," Paterson said. "Actually, the more frustrated I get, the more I know I am going to be running."
Paterson's decision to suspend his campaign came after a series of conversations with various people, including Rev. Al Sharpton.
After Paterson's press conference, New York State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs told reporters that Cuomo would be his party's gubenetorial nominee.
Paterson said he "offered my assistance to Attorney General Cuomo should he become a candidate," though he said "that's in the future."