Paterson: Gillibrand threw me 'under the bus'

Gov. David A. Paterson said yesterday that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, whom he appointed to the seat, threw him "under the bus" by suggesting that he might have to resign over his role in abuse allegations against a former top aide.

On March 2, Gillibrand had said that "if the allegations of abuse of power are true, then the governor will be unable to govern and he will have to step down."

Paterson appeared on Don Imus' show on the Fox Business Network yesterday, and Imus asked, "What's that all about?"

"That's about when you are in a jam, there are people who will throw you under the bus," Paterson said to laughs from the audience at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manhattan.

Imus commiserated, then asked whether Paterson has spoken recently to Gillibrand.

"It's hard to talk to anyone when you're under a bus," Paterson quipped.

Gillibrand, through spokesman Matt Canter, said yesterday that the investigation must be completed before any decisions are made, but that Paterson should resign if the allegations are proved to be true.

"She remains hopeful that the investigation will clear the governor of these allegations," Canter said. - AP