NEW YORK STATE: News from Eliot Spitzer

News from Eliot Spitzer.

By now you've likely heard that Eliot has asked Senator David Paterson to be his running mate. I wanted to share some of Eliot's thinking on this important decision, which will be announced formally within a few days.

David has all the attributes you'd look for in a running mate: intelligence, good judgment and integrity. He's one of the warmest and most engaging people you'll ever meet. In addition, his personal story in overcoming disability is truly inspiring.

These factors alone would commend him as a partner in any important endeavor. But something else was the determining factor for Eliot.

Put simply, David has been brilliant as leader of the Democrats in the State Senate. During his tenure, the Democrats have significantly narrowed the margin of Republican control in the Senate, and they are poised to make further inroads. David has achieved this by emphasizing the need for sweeping reform in Albany.

That is what appealed most to Eliot. Changing the status quo is what Eliot is about, and it is what this campaign is about.

Eliot believes that David will be a tremendous asset in helping to build consensus for change in the State Legislature. In David, he has a trusted partner who can deftly work the halls of the state Capitol. This is critical because to a large degree an executive is only as effective as his ability to unite others in working towards a common goal.

David Paterson -- highly respected in the Legislature and known throughout the state as a reformer -- will help Eliot achieve great things in Albany. He'll be a true partner in the reform effort and a significant force in a Spitzer administration. David Paterson will be a lieutenant governor who will take the lead for Eliot on many of the important challenges facing our state.

We're thrilled by this new partnership. We hope you are too.

-- Ryan Toohey
Campaign Manager
Spitzer 2006