
Speaker Silver's Statement on the Resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer This is a painful day for New York. Now is the time to pray for the Spitzer Family. Now is the time to move forward with the people’s business. I have known David Paterson for many years and have been in continuous contact with him. David Paterson’s intellect, his charisma and his experience in government … make him the ideal leader to guide us through the difficult days ahead. The work before us is demanding and must be completed thoughtfully and expediently. I have every confidence in David Paterson’s ability to lead us through the completion of our duties, and I pledge my full cooperation to David as he assumes the Office of Governor.