There's a word to describe what New York State David Paterson is doing, remaining in office amid the effluvium.
New Yorkers are burnt out on scandal.
The polls show something else. New Yorkers are burnt out on New York (USA Today).
USA Today reported on a Siena Poll that found a majority of New Yorkers so ashamed by the latest scandals at the state Capitol that they are embarrassed to call themselves New Yorkers.
The poll found that seventy percent of voters agreed that New York has never been more dysfunctional, and by a 54% to 41% margin, voters also say that what's going on in Albany makes them "embarrassed" to call themselves New Yorkers.
But 71% would rather see David Paterson remain as governor than see him impeached by the State legislature.
55% don't Paterson to resign.
The Albany Times Union noted that this doesn't mean New Yorkers like David Paterson (his negatives jumped aother ten points).
This might be a gestalt moment for the Empire State. Strategically and psychologically, perhaps campaigns and candidates should prepare themselves for an election cycle where voters don't want the usual scandal-ridden dirty laundry hanging around on the front page.
Also, with national statistics showing a drastic increase in applications for unemployment, what may also be unfolding here is a natural need for people to see some stability.
The issue here is chaos, too much of it.
In our line of work, political spinmasters usually thrive on this nonsense -- but methinks we're headed for a period of caution. This doesn't put down the tea parties or THAT restless. It's just a sense that politicians won't be tolerated if they resort to mud-slinging.
The problem is that New York State is about to get worse; ethically with its elected officials (and appointed officials) along with painful fiscal shortfalls that could have school districts up in arms any day now.
The latter is the measurable crisis. It's being felt already in every school district across New York. It is about to get much worse.
Tipping point? Breaking point? More like an earthquake with bigger aftershocks.
Paterson staying as governor?
The State Legislature is already negotiating with Richard Ravitch -- or at least they're begging for him. Why not? He already gave us the MTA Payroll Tax.
The Siena Poll released today also found that a majority of New York believe Andrew Cuomo will conduct a
fair and impartial investigation of the Governor and his staff, although two-thirds of voters would prefer to see
the investigation conducted by an independent, outside prosecutor.
Here is last week's Marist and Quinnipiac polls.
So Paterson stays?
I don't think so.
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