After holding a second meeting about Governor Paterson, a group of influential black leaders reaffirmed their support of the embattled governor. The Reverend Al Sharpton said, "Most of those in the room tonight strongly felt that the Governor should continue. There are others with varying views. We all agree that the governor should be given the right to due process as any citizen of this state."
However, the Daily News reports, "Sources said Sharpton had hoped to wrangle a consensus to push Paterson out during the Sylvia's restaurant skull session - but it backfired." And the Post says, "Earlier in the day, some of those who would later attend the confab privately called for Paterson to resign -- but later got 'cold feet,' one source said, as it became clear how many people wanted him to remain." The meeting took place hours after a third top member of Paterson's administration resigned amid the various scandals.
Among those who believe in Paterson was former mayor David Dinkins who said, "Keep in mind that the president of the United States, with articles of impeachment, was permitted to serve out his term, and he was the leader of the free world."
