Conflict of Interest

Paterson's Case Changes Hands

Attorney general hands over investigation.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced he will appoint an independent counsel for the investigation into the domestic-violence case surrounding Gov. David Paterson's administration. Cuomo is assigning the former chief judge of New York, Judith Kaye, to lead the investigation and determine if the governor lied to the state ethics commission about the solicitation of free Yankees World Series tickets. This comes as somewhat of an unexpected twist, as Cuomo's staff has already worked for two weeks on the investigation. But after a New York City councilperson expressed concern over Cuomo's conflict of interest given his potential gubernatorial ambitions, the attorney general willingly handed over the project and his staff.