Gov. David Paterson on Monday tried to distance himself from critical remarks about Caroline Kennedy that were leaked to the media by a person close to the governor after Kennedy abruptly withdrew from Senate consideration.Paterson denied any role in the leak over unproven allegations that Kennedy had problems with taxes, payment of a nanny, and in her marriage. The leak, provided on the condition of anonymity, came Friday morning, hours after Kennedy suddenly pulled her name out of consideration for the appointment to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy had been poised to take the Senate seat once held by her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy. Paterson selected Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand instead.
On Monday, Paterson called the leaked information gossip and said there was no proof of the accusations in an extensive questionnaire he required of all candidates that included questions about their taxes, any criminal background and personal finances. He has refused to release the blank or completed questionnaires.
On Friday, The Associated Press reported that the state tax department found no problem with Kennedy's taxes. There was no evidence to support the possible "nannygate" problem or rumors that her marriage had problems. In interviews in December, Kennedy denied any problems.
The leak was "cheap, dirty politics," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday. The mayor supported Kennedy's effort and is an important ally for Paterson. "I have no idea about her personal life. But that should not have been," Bloomberg said. "It is as good as an example of cheap dirty politics as you could ever find. And I thought it was reprehensible. I have no idea where it came from."
| "I mean my goodness, she was treated like a Republican!" |
Asked if he would investigate the leak, Paterson seemed to misunderstand the question and responded: "I don't think there's any public interest that's served in finding out why someone chose to take a different course in life."