LI politicians react to Paterson ending campaign

I know from my phone call [Thursday] with Governor Paterson that this was a difficult decision for him, and I'm glad he made it. . . . We can't afford further distractions."- Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington)This is another sad chapter in New York State government. It's dysfunctional, it's broken and it doesn't work. It's exactly why we need someone not tied to the Albany culture to bring the sweeping change we deserve."- GOP gubernatorial hopeful

Rick Lazio of BrightwatersI believe that he made the right decision. I told him that Senate Republicans were prepared to move forward on a bipartisan basis to address the budget and other pressing matters."- Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre)

Governor Paterson entered office under extraordinary circumstances, immediately faced a financial crisis of historic proportions. . . . The governor's action today

reminds us of what it means to be a true public servant by putting the people first."- Jay Jacobs, Nassau and

state Democratic chairmanThe governor must now consider whether he can be an effective leader for New York during these difficult times."- State Sen. Craig Johnson

(D-Port Washington)

He's a friend of mine. He's one of the nicest people that anybody could meet. But I applaud him for this."- Frank MacKay, state and Suffolk Independence Party chairman