By no means do I agree with everything Governor Paterson has done since taking office, but I don't think he has earned the dubious distinction of the lowest poll numbers in New York history. When Eliot Spitzer was caught with his pants down, Paterson inherited one hell of a budget crisis. When he realized the magnitude of the deficit, he called legislators back to Albany to make painful, but necessary, cuts.

Sure, he's bungled a few things -- the Senate appointment debacle comes to mind -- but I'm glad he's running. At least the campaign will give him the chance to explain (and perhaps redeem) himself.

Governor Paterson is running for election next year. He confirmed his intentions in an interview on NY1 this afternoon. The embattled Democrat is currently saddled with the lowest approval ratings in State history, but says he'd make a better governor than State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

Paterson started the day receiving praise from Queens residents when he signed off on additional reforms to the Rockefeller Drug laws. Tomorrow, a rally is being held in Harlem to show support for Paterson and his policy initiatives.

Are you pleased to hear Paterson is running next year? Would he make a better leader than Cuomo? Does he deserve praise or criticism for his decisions regarding the State and MTA budgets, Rockefeller Drug Laws and the same-sex marriage bill?

Send us your thoughts using the link above.

The only people celebrating today's announcement may be some Republicans who think they can get the governorship back, and Paterson supporters, who -- if we are to believe some of the quotes -- may be as delusional as Mr. Paterson himself seems to be.

Bruce
Upper West Side
Manhattan

Good for him!

Rich
Midtown East

THE ONLY WAY THIS NEW YORKER VOTES FOR PATTERSON IS A FREE BUS/SUBWAY FARE. I FIND SOME HOPE IN THAT ENDEAVOR SINCE SENATOR MALCOM SMITH SAID THE CAB FARE HIKE WILL BENEFIT UPSTATE HIGHWAYS , AND TO REALIZE WE ARE ALL IN NEW YORK STATE. CONVERSELY, THAT MEANS THE OTHER COUNTIES CAN CHIP IN TO HELP US REALIZE THAT FREE BUS/SUBWAY FARE, SINCE, AFTERALL WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS.

WHAT A STIMULUS PACKAGE THAT WOULD BE.

JOE, BAY TERRACE

Dear John & The Call Gang,

I don't believe Governor Paterson will be re-elected. Don't forget that he wasn't elected to be the Governor in the first place. I would like to see Giuliani run or Governor of NY and win.

Andrew
Long Island City

the only thing he should be running for is the Border!!!!!!

Tom
Richmondtown

Both have a lot of excess baggage one way or another. Give it up already. Neither one of them including Bloomberg have anything to run on. Like I always say go, just keep walking. They will just do their time and it will be the hell with all of us.

Your show is always wonderful.

maxxiee
mp

Paterson is a nice guy but definitely NOT governor material. He started to dig his own grave by having to publicly discuss his sexual indiscretions (poor, poor move!) and went downhill from there. He got even worse over the whole Hillary Clinton replacement fiasco (just make a decision and stop playing the media and the games!).

He did nothing to help NYC re: MTA -- he didn't step up to the plate -- he didn't make congress address the issues at hand (and he is a city dweller so it's not as if he doesn't know all the problems we're facing).

But the topper was the same-sex marriage bill (and he's a Catholic?!). Gay marriage may "work" on NYC, but certainly not the rest of the State -- and he has to be a governor for ALL of New York!

Our money is on Andrew Cuomo. He seems to be very "hands on" and he seems to want to truly help ALL of New York. We are looking forward to the campaign! This will be better than the mayoral race!

Dina and Ed of Throggs Neck

I like the man, he's decent but I dont think he can beat Maudlin giuliani and he has to know that so either pass legislation that prevents any candidate from being the nominee with family connections or I predict that Giuliani(aka nixon II, only more dangerous) will be our next governor/mayor/female-impersonator-in chief.

John
Kissena Park

One of the reasons I will vote for Gov. Patterson in the next election is his action to repeal or at least restrict the effects of the abusive and oppressive Rockefeller Drug Laws.
He didn't go far enough--total repeal. But he went farther than any of his predecessors and farther than would have Spitzer.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

Governor Patterson will run and if only Rudy Giuliani will also run. If that happens I think Patterson will go down for the count and we can have finally a truly great Governor. Rudy, go for it.

Freddy- Glen Oaks Village

Definitely pleased Gov. Patterson has thrown his hat in the ring. The voters will decide next year if he deserves to be re-elected not the pundits or poll-watchers. I was fortunate to witness the ground swell of support and accolade he received during today's sign off on additional reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws.
Even in a baseball game, a team that is behind never gives up until their last out in the ninth inning.
Gov. Patterson has the required political gravitas to bounce back.

GEORGE
LeFrak City.

i do like david patterson but im not gonna vote for him im gonna vote for anderw cuomo.

joe glendale, queens..

Paterson is the accidental governor who always acts like he is trying out for Saturday Night Live and just like the "governor" spot, it is
out of his reach. I would vote for Cuomo in a heat beat!

Suzannah T
NYC

I fear that Patterson faces a long uphill climb in his quest for another term of office. Since moving into Albany he has shifted more to the right. Meanwhile, the economic crisis has hurt his chances of doing anything to help New Yorkers. All we hear about are cuts cuts cuts cuts cuts. Cuts to SUNY's budget. Cuts in important social services. Don't forget: this is exactly what led to the political demise of one Mario Cuomo.

Bill from the Upper West Side of Manhattan

I'm already sick this evening, I don't need to hear this. I don't even
agree with Rudy, but I'd vote for him just to have someone competent in office.

Mark
Rego Park

As a christian, I must vote my values; so I can't vote for someone who is for gay marriage. And I certainly don't like Giuliani is competent at all.

Clive from the Bronx

try being a little humble . It's east to
look reducules being the underdog!

Giuseppe

Gov. Patterson has the courage of his convictions, Cuomo doesn't.

Jim
St. George
Staten Island

So far,I didn't see any things he do it right,I think he got a zero chance against Andrew Cuomo and former Major Giuliani,why don't you just forget to run again and enjoy the two year term.

josepho

I'm kevin from east elmhurst queens. I think Governor Patterson has no chance of winning in the re-elections for Governor because he mess up allowing same sex marriage.

Governor Patterson can defiantly run for governor of new York state but this voter can be defiant also and say I will defiantly NOT VOTE FOR THE WORST GOVERNOR IN NEW YORK STATE HISTORY! Andrew Cuomo would make a much better Governor come to think of it anyone would make a better Governor than Governor Patterson. His handling of the MTA budget is foremost in my mind. Also most of his other policy initiatives stink.

Thank You
Sheri
Brooklyn, New York

okay. But dems must stop Guiliani

Bevall