The Odd Couple

A few weeks ago we wondered whether Governor Paterson might appoint Assemblywoman Susan John to a vacancy on Monroe County Court.

Last Saturday, Ms. John, Assemblyman David Gantt and his marionette Lovely Warren were the only elected officials present at the Governor's election kickoff rally in Rochester.

Then came today's New York Times story.   We think the story's appearance has to do mostly with a New York Times desperately fearful of a Scott Brown outcome in the election for governor.   We invoke it here because of the interesting contrast in reactions.

Shelly Silver calls the allegations "horrific."

The Governor's Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, Denise O’Donnell, resigns, saying it is "impossible for me, in good conscience, to remain a member of your administration."

The Rockland County Democratic Chairman says "Mr. Paterson should end his campaign immediately."

The Albany County Democratic Chairman says "Forget running for governor."

The Orange County Democratic Chairman says the allegations reveal "at best incompetence and at worst . . . abuse of power by the governor"

The president of the New York chapter of the National Organization of Women says of the Governor, "it would certainly be political suicide for him in the end if this is true."

And Susan John?

“At this moment I don’t believe that he interfered in an investigation.” said Assemblywoman Susan John, D-Rochester , who introduced Paterson at a campaign rally this weekend.  “The Times story has it reported both ways: that the woman called him and that he called her.  So at this point there’s no reason for me to believe–either proposition is as likely–there’s no reason for me to believe that the governor interfered.”

Such a detached, lawyerly analysis.

Some might even call it judicial.