Guide Note

David Paterson is the Governor of the state of New York. He was sworn into office following the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer, who was implicated in the Emperors Club VIP prostitution scandal. Patterson's term in office began on March 17, 2008 and he will serve the rest of Spitzer's term, which is set to end December 31, 2010. He is the first African-American Governor of New York and the first legally blind governor of any state. Paterson is scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, August 25-28.

Fast Facts

1. Born: May 20, 1954
2. Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY
3. BA from Columbia University, JD from Hofstra Law School
4. Born legally blind
5. First black governor and lieutenant governor of New York
6. Party: Democratic Party
7. Spouse: Michelle Paige Paterson
8. Children: Ashley and Alex

Shortly after Patterson took office, he revealed that he had an ongoing affair with another woman between the years of 1999 and 2001. His wife also admitted that she was unfaithful as well. The couple decided to go public with the information in response to rumors.¹

Paterson was born legally blind and has only partial sight in his right eye.² Most recently, Paterson had laser eye surgery on May 21, 2008 to relieve pain that was determined to be caused from acute angle-closure glaucoma.³ The painful condition caused a build-up of fluid in his left eye, which caused him to experience a severe migraine. On May 23, 2008 he underwent a second laser eye surgery — this time on his right eye in order to prevent the same thing from happening.

David Paterson Drugs | David Paterson Affair | Eliot Spitzer | New York State | Spitzer Prostitution Ring | Spitzer Emperors Club | Michelle Paige Paterson | Diane Dixon | Eliot Spitzer Resigns