Gov. David Paterson’s campaign strategist resigns
A top strategist and spokeswoman for Gov. David Paterson’s campaign has resigned as the governor fights national anti-Democratic sentiment and union opposition to his candidacy.
Tracy Sefl, a Washington-based consultant with national campaign experience, said Friday she’s leaving for business reasons that she didn’t specify. A Democrat close to the campaign said Sefl is leaving on good terms. The Democrat spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn’t authorized to speak for the campaign.
The change comes as Paterson’s new team is reshaping his campaign. His top advisers include Lawrence Schwartz, his chief of staff, and political consultant Harold Ickes, a former Clinton administration deputy chief of staff. They’ve helped bring the governor to his third straight month of rising polls.
The improving polls have led to a more assertive Paterson who on Thursday declared: “I am running for governor and someone is going to have to beat me.” Generally, losing a spokeswoman in the midst of a campaign can mean there was a personality conflict. That could mean the staffer felt undermined by a candidate who, like Paterson, likes to talk to the press directly despite some gaffes, or that she no longer wanted to be associated with the candidate.
Sefl’s departure was announced days after campaign finance filings showed Democratic Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has a fund five
times larger than Paterson’s. Cuomo may run for governor, has a big lead in the polls and is being urged by several corners to take on
Paterson in a primary if the incumbent won’t step aside.
The announcement also follows this week’s election shocker for Democrats when Republican Scott Brown won a U.S. Senate race in
Massachusetts and the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union sent a letter to New York Democrats urging them to support Cuomo.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.