Congressman Charles Rangel is reportedly angry over the news that the Obama administration involved itself in the New York governor's race.
Word surfaced last week that the aides to the president were pressuring Governor David Paterson not to seek a full term.
In an interview with the Daily News, Rangel called the move "not presidential."
Rangel tells the paper he's glad he was kept out of the loop and that the local politicians Obama reportedly tapped to deliver the news to Paterson should be embarrassed.
Meanwhile, during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, the governor denied claims that his campaign will drag down other Democrats.
Paterson says he's fighting for both his party and New Yorkers. He also blamed his low poll numbers on the tough choices he's had to make in order to deal with the state's growing deficit.
Paterson says while the president has never directly told him not to run, he knows the administration has concerns.
"They certainly sent the message they have concerns and I appreciate that, but let me just tell you at the outset, I am running for governor in 2010," Paterson said. "I don't think that this is an issue other than for the people of the State of New York to decide."
Aides to the president have told NY1 that Obama did point out that Paterson's low approval ratings will make it difficult for him to win and could bring down fellow Democrats.
A recent statewide Marist Poll found six in 10 New Yorkers believe the Obama Administration should not have involved itself in the governor's race.
No comments:
Post a Comment