AP Interview: NY's Paterson lashes back at rumors

(AP) — New York Gov. David Paterson is lashing back at what he calls an assault on his character that includes accusations about womanizing and drug use.

The Democratic governor told The Associated Press on Monday that news media and New York politics have hit new lows. He says it won't stop him from serving in office or seeking election to a full term in the fall.

He cited a New York Post report that he was caught by state police in the mansion with a woman other than his wife as fabricated. He said the room in which he was reportedly caught doesn't even exist.

He would address other accusations only broadly but denied all sexual relationships and drug use that are among the accusations. He calls them orchestrated and scandalous.

The Post did not immediately respond to Paterson's remarks.