(CNN) – New York Gov. David Paterson has lost a top advisor to his struggling election bid for a full term in office.
Tracy Sefl, a campaign strategist who is based in Washington, DC, announced Friday she is resigning her post because of "business" reasons.
"It has been a privilege to work for the governor over the past year," Sefl said in a statement. "My decision is a business one and I remain supportive and admiring of him and his agenda for the state. I wish him and his team - both at the campaign and inside the Executive Chamber - much success."
Asked by CNN if the decision may be a reflection of her belief Paterson's chances of reelection are low, Sefl said "that is a good question to ask others."
According to recent polls of New York State voters, Paterson lags nearly 40 points behind his likely primary opponent, Andrew Cuomo.
From CNN Politics
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"My decision is a business one"
Meaning – the longer I continue to hang around with a critically wounded democratic party, the worse my business prospects look.
This guy just doesnt get it does he?He was only hired so he wouldnt see what was going on with the other shady crook.
Paterson didn'stand a chance to begin with. I reall would like to see Spitzer back as comptroller.
New York needs him gone and a Republican Governor installed.
Tough times for the Dems. Those social programs don't create jobs, nor income, for Americans.
Smart dems are running as far away from the shipwreck that has been brought in the name of the Democrats. They need to cleanse the left wing nut cases out of my former party, starting with the joke of a president, and then they may be able to start gaining credibility and respectability.
Why is this guy even running for office??!! He doesn't need a campaign strategist! He needs a CAREER COUNSELOR!!!
These Democratic politicians are dumber than stumps...
Who didn't see this coming? Paterson's been dead in the water since Day 1. And Cuomo won't be any better. The people of NY need to wake up and put a Repub back in the statehouse
Do not worry patterson, maybe nobama will ride to your rescue like he did in New Jersey,Virginia and Mass. On second thought, maybe you might be better off if he stays away. It helped Senator Elect Brown when nobama came to the rescue in Mass.
@ Texas Jack
We had the perfect governor, but he had social issues he had to deal with. Although what Spitzer did was an impeachable offense, he was the man for the job. No if's, ands or buts about it. But I wouldn't expect you to know that because you probably never lived in NY.
I think we can put this in the bank already but it may be premature. Cuomo is gonna take it. That I'm extremely confident of.
It just seems that I hear nice things about Cuomo, and he's tough too. Has swagger as well but that kind of low key swagger. I hear extraordinary things about Cuomo, so is no surprise that he's up big time.
Not a good sign for Patterson. Like always ,the voters will decide, not polls, and not the pundits (left or right).
If he's 40 points down in the primary, it doesn't sound like much of a loss.
Maybe he should no run for his own term... Wouldn't that make sense? I know that it would for me. Not everyone who can do the best job will be put where they need to go by an election.
If it is a "struggling campaign bid" than I would say it is no big loss....
"business" reasons meaning " I don't want to hich my wagon to a losing pony.
It's amazing how well SNL impersonates the Gov!
New Yorkers deserve better than they are getting, and given that the last good Republican in NY State may have been Nelson Rockefeller, I'd say they need someone new from the Democratic side.
Democrats or Republicans - who really cares?? They are all quite worthless. Bunch of big blabbermouths who like to hear themselves talk!
Rats leaving the ship early before paterson going down in flames
Probably the best thing that ever could happen to his campaign...
What does it take to deflate a politican's ego? You are behind 40 points from whatever person decides to run against you.
What a joke he has become. You are not needed in public office. Go and try to get a real job, if anyone would hire you.
Please....for the love of Mike....take this as yet another sign and bow out now!!
Specific to awaitingmoderationby CNN....
No wonder you are a FORMER Democrat. Its only the Republican party that "cleanses" itself of those who are not ideologically pure. Democrats are genuinely the party that represents diversity of thought, diversity of opinion, diversity of votes, diversity of representation, and...well....the majority of Americans.
I wouldn't hire her because she's no better than Sarah Palin. You don't quit in the middle of a campaign. You stand by the candidate and tough it out. Jeesh, where's the loyalty?