Paterson Stands By Aide Despite Past Arrests
CHALEAMPON OATES RITTHICHAI wpix.com

11:18 a.m. EST, February 17, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
A senior aide in Gov. David Paterson's administration was arrested twice on felony drug charges and has been involved in a number of "altercations with women," the New York Times reported.

David Johnson, 37, started working for Paterson as an intern in 1999 and has since risen through the rank, from a driver to the governor's closest confidant with a $132,000 salary, according to the paper.

Gov. Paterson issued a statement arguing that the arrests had happened a long time ago, when Johnson was only a teenager, at ages 16 and 18.

"David Johnson's growth as a political professional has surprised even his greatest advocates, and I am proud that he has demonstrated what someone can accomplish when given a second chance," stated Paterson.

Paterson also challenged the paper's allegation that Johnson has been involved in three separate fights with women, two of which the governor was aware of but considered them relationship disputes.

"There is no independent evidence presented that would substantiate any claims of violence committed by David Johnson against a woman," he said.

The New York Times published the article on Tuesday after weeks of speculation that the paper was working on an exposé piece that might cause the embittered governor to resign.

Paterson's latest approval rating has fallen to 26 percent from 30 percent, according to a poll by Marist College. He became New York State Governor in 2008 when Eliot Spitzer resigned after his affairs with prostitutes came to light.