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Paterson, Schumer added to Dem's convention lineup

BY MELISSA MANSFIELD | melissa.mansfield@newsday.com

August 21, 2008

ALBANY - It took a while, but a few New Yorkers are now being added to the speakers' lineup at next week's Democratic convention - first Gov. David A. Paterson, and last night Sen. Charles Schumer.

Some New York Democrats had been wondering if nominee Barack Obama was trying to freeze out Empire Staters who supported his fallen rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

But in the past two days, first Paterson and then Schumer were given speaking slots. Hillary and Bill Clinton already were scheduled to speak.

Schumer will address the gathering Wednesday as head of the party's Senate campaign committee. Paterson will focus on the fiscal crisis facing the country when he speaks Tuesday.

"I do feel that Americans think that markets go up and down and budgets go up and down. This is a rare constellation of events right now," Paterson said on CNBC yesterday. He listed rising costs of gasoline, energy and food, and companies in trouble. "Perhaps what will be different about this Democratic convention is that we will be laying out the problems to Americans as they are, and not offering a bunch of exciting sounding ideas."

The governor said he doesn't blame Americans for not wanting to face the situation, but said, "The Democratic party can remind them about the terrible truth of what's going to happen if we have not used our resources properly in this country."

Democratic officials announced Paterson's inclusion late Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Paterson told reporters he would not be participating.

Schumer and several of the party's top Senate contenders will speak the same night as the former president and Obama's yet-to-be-named vice presidential nominee.