Paterson's staff riding out two scandals, three lost officials

NEW YORK CITY -- New York Gov. David Paterson and his beleaguered administration are seeking to regroup as they ride out two scandals that threaten his job and have led to the resignation of two staffers.

The effort Friday is described by one official as pep talks.

It comes a day after black leaders in New York City said he deserves his right to due process and should stay in office.

Paterson is facing allegations that he and his staff interfered in a domestic violence case involving a top aide. And a state ethics panel has accused him of seeking and accepting World Series tickets last year, then lying about it.

Paterson lost a third top deputy Thursday when communications director Peter Kauffmann abruptly resigned after weeks of serving as his defending voice.

Paterson's public safety deputy security and his state police superintendent resigned days before.

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