Apparently, Obama is willing to involve himself in state-level Democratic politics. In New York, the president sent the word to the incumbent Governor, David Paterson, that Paterson shouldn't run in 2010. The NY Times calls this move "an extraordinary intervention" and it is:
President Obama has sent a request to Gov. David A. Paterson that he withdraw from the New York governor’s race, fearing that Mr. Paterson cannot recover from his dismal political standing, according to two senior administration officials and a New York Democratic operative with direct knowledge of the situation.That had to sting, but Paterson has been a disaster.
The decision to ask Mr. Paterson to step aside was proposed by political advisers to Mr. Obama, but approved by the president himself, one of the administration officials said.
“Is there concern about the situation in New York? Absolutely,” the second administration official said Saturday evening. “Has that concern been conveyed to the governor? Yes.”
New York Attorney Andrew Cuomo has been weighing a challenge to Paterson. He'd be the beneficiary if Paterson heeds Obama's advice.
