Cuomo appoints former chief judge as independent counsel in Paterson probe

By Mark Scott

Albany, NY – State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has appointed an independent counsel to investigate two scandals involving Governor David Paterson. He has named former Appeals Court Judge Judith Kaye to head up the investigation.

The allegations involve Paterson's contact with a woman who was assaulted by one of his top aides and his apparent acceptance of free tickets to last fall's World Series.

Cuomo was under pressure to appoint an independent counsel to avoid a conflict as he considers a run for governor this year.

On Tuesday, a Marist College poll showed Cuomo's approval rating fell 13 points in the two weeks since he began investigating Paterson. Several polls showed New Yorkers preferred an independent prosecutor for the case.

Kaye said it is "a serious and important matter," and that it's her privilege to serve the state and respond to the attorney general's request.