Reply #8: I had initially held Paterson higher than how he appears to have behaved.

[saltpoint]

At this point in the mix, I think he is not likely to be the Democratic nominee for Gov., and that Andrew Cuomo, who has a very sharp interest in the job, will strike while the iron is hot.

Giuliani, also said to be keenly interested, is less likely to announce his candidacy against Cuomo, if Cuomo is plainly running. Against Paterson, Giuliani likely saw an opening.