Schumer And Gillibrand Dodge Questions On Paterson Endorsement

At an event endorsing New York City mayoral candidate Bill Thompson on Monday, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand would not say whether they'll endorse Gov. David Paterson in next year's gubernatorial election.

Asked about an endorsement, Schumer said: "You know, these are very, very difficult times for a governor, any governor, giving the economy and everything else. I'm doing everything I can to help David Paterson work together and maximize New York's help from Washington."

"As for elections, let's stick to this one today. One election today," he added, according to the Daily News.

As for Gillibrand, she said, "Well, I support the governor and, you know, he said he's going to run and we are all focused right now on this election cycle."

Paterson's political stock has plummeted since it leaked that President Obama wants him to forgo the 2010 election because of poor poll numbers. Paterson vowed to run anyway, but has also said that if he thinks he's hurting the Democratic party he'll step aside.

Paterson appointed the relatively unknown Gillibrand to Hillary Clinton's seat when Clinton became Secretary of State.

On Monday, Gillibrand also said she thought the President's involvement was appropriate.

"I think the President can support any candidate he wants anywhere in the United States. He's the President. He's also the head of our party. And he has a right to support whoever he wants to support," she said.