Paterson Out, Spotlight Turns to Cuomo

As David Paterson officially deep-sixed his non-existent chances of a second term in New York yesterday, all eyes swung around to Andrew Cuomo. But the state's AG and former gubernatorial candidate was cagey, issuing a statement calling for Albany's continued function "through this difficult time" and noting that "I will announce my plans at the appropriate time."

Long the Democrats' hope to keep the executive mansion in Albany, Cuomo is the consummate political insider, a fundraising powerhouse, and a favorite in the polls. "I'm not sure God could live up to people's expectations today," one expert tells the New York Times. And though insiders hint Cuomo could throw his hat in the ring in a month or so, his presumed GOP rival is already seeking to force his hand: "He can ignore me all he wants. He just can’t ignore the people of New York." (More Andrew Cuomo stories.)