Paterson admits extramarital affair

Although he probably wanted to focus the day on his inauguration as governor and the new bills he signed on subway track safety, environmental protection, state blood drives, and health research, the New York media had a different story in mind on Monday.

Paterson and his wife, Michelle Paige Paterson, both admitted to extramarital affairs during a part of their relationship years ago that they admit was rocky, according to published reports. "This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point," Paterson said in an interview over the weekend. "But I went to counseling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on."

The governor was eager not to let the story distract him from his first day of business, and he focused the day on the bills he signed as the new chief executive. "Signing these important measures into law is a critical step toward assuring all New Yorkers that State government is continuing to operate in their best interests," the new governor said on Monday. "This is just one of several actions that I am taking today to move forward with the state's business. New York's residents can take comfort in knowing that there has been no pause in our work on their behalf."