ALBANY — Gov. Paterson’s top spokesman, Peter Kauffmann, has just resigned, making him the third latest administration official to quit since last week’s domestic violence bombshell.
“I have been honored to serve the people of New York during a difficult time in our state’s history. As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, integrity and commitment to public service are values I take seriously,” Kauffmann said in an e-mail. “Unfortunately, as recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position. I have notified the Governor that I am resigning as Director of Communications.”
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“Today will be my last day in the Executive Chamber,” he continued in an e-mail to reporters. “This will be the extent of my comments at this point.”
Paterson is wrestling with three scandals.
Just yesterday, the state’s Public Integrity Commission said the governor and his aides shook down the Yankees for World Series tickets and then Paterson perjured himself about his plans to pay for the tickets.
Paterson has denied the charges.
That followed accusations that Paterson had staffers pressure a woman to drop domestic abuse charges against one of his aides, David Johnson.
Paterson also has denied pressuring the woman, Sherr-una Booker.
And Paterson is under intense scrutiny for his decision to give a casino contract for Aqueduct to a politically connected firm.
Paterson denies having done anything wrong in that case as well.
State police Superintendent Harry Corbitt, who was hand picked by Paterson, resigned this week amid complaints about troopers contacting Booker.
Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O’Donnell left last week, citing troopers’ discussions with Booker.
“I was assured by Superintendent Corbitt that the State Police were not involved,” O’Donnell said then in a statement. “It was only last night when I learned . . . the contrary details, including the involvement of the State Police.”