Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Top Strategist Bails on Paterson


By

Ben Yakas

Published Jan 22, 2010

Modified Jan 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Ben Yakas

Published Jan 22, 2010

Modified Jan 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Although it seems like every day is a no-good day for our permanently embattled Governor, today is maybe extra-bittersweet. This morning, top strategist and chief spokesman for Gov. Paterson's election campaign Tracy Sefl announced her sudden resignation. In her statement, Sefl said it was a "privilege" to work under the Governor, and her decision was a "business one;" and City Room confirms from insiders that she left of her own accord. Could it all be so simple for Paterson's bad luck express?

WNYT reports that Sefl left on "good terms," but the Post seems to imply differently; their sources allege that the recent spat of increasingly bad news for the Governor's reelection efforts "were factors" in her decision to leave. This past week has been filled with headaches for the Governor, including allegations (and denials) of steakhouse liaisons, revelations that he is $13 million behind Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in fund raising efforts, and unflattering poll numbers (that also make his butt look big).

Meanwhile, after the Massachusetts Senate upset, Democrat insiders are more insistent than ever that the Governor not run in the next election, the Daily News reports. One elected Democrat told them that if Paterson doesn't drop out, "we are in deep s--t." That shit will, no doubt, be flaming, too.

Tagged

bad luck express

Democrats

paterson

resignation

senate

strategist


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

NYC ambulance response times have grown 41% as life-threatening calls rise

A city comptroller’s report points to ambulance maintenance problems and low pay for EMTs and paramedics as factors contributing to longer waits.

By

Ben Feuerherd

Published Oct 16, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET


Mamdani and 100+ NY officials urge parking lot owners to ban ICE

The officials released a letter on Friday that asks the owners of parking lots and garages not to rent, lend or otherwise make their property available to ICE.

By

Arya Sundaram

News

Mamdani and 100+ NY officials urge parking lot owners to ban ICE

The officials released a letter on Friday that asks the owners of parking lots and garages not to rent, lend or otherwise make their property available to ICE.

By

Arya Sundaram


Federal judge tosses Trump administration lawsuit challenging NYC sanctuary laws

By

Phil Corso

2 men charged in fatal fentanyl poisoning of NYC college student, alleged rape

By

Giulia Heyward

NYC spending on homelessness has soared. So has the number of people on the street.

By

Karen Yi


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .