Cuomo Recuses Self from Paterson Probe

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo recused himself from an ongoing investigation into Gov. David A. Paterson’s alleged ethics violations, appointing retired judge Judith S. Kaye to continue the inquiry in his stead. Specifically, Kaye will be looking into charges that the governor personally intervened to discourage the then-girlfriend of a top aide from pursuing domestic violence charges against him, as well as allegations that the governor used his influence to try and get free Yankees tickets and lying about doing so later.

Cuomo is generally seen as the frontrunner for the next governor of New York, despite the fact that he has yet to officially announce that he’s running; this might explain his decision to recuse himself from the investigation. After all, it’s difficult to look impartial when one investigates a man who, until recently, was going to campaign against you. Voters understand this as well – the Attorney General’s decision came shortly after a poll was released showing that his approval rating had dropped 13 points since he began his investigation.