New York Governor's Aide Under Scrutiny

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Luisita Lopez Torregrosa

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A key aide to Gov. David Paterson of New York was twice arrested on felony drug charges as a teenager and has been involved in fights with women, two of which led to police calls, according to The New York Times.

The Times article, published online Tuesday evening, reports that Paterson's aide, David W. Johnson, 37, who has risen to the top tier in the governor's inner circle, has been described as Paterson's "closest confidante" with a room in the Executive Mansion, a major role in fund-raising and management of Paterson's staff.

The Times's report on Paterson's top aide come at a time when the governor's approval ratings have dropped steeply just as he seeks support and funds for a run for a full term. Paterson, a Democrat who is the former lieutenant governor, ascended to the governorship when Gov. Eliot Spitzer was forced to resign in 2008 after his dealings with prostitutes came to light.

Paterson has not been a popular interim governor, yet he has declared his candidacy for a full term and is running for election in November. His path has been less than smooth. As recently as last week he made stops at major media outlets in the city to fight rumors that an article the Times was said to be preparing would raise questions about his sexual and drug habits.

The Times had not published such an article, but the rumors created a frenzy in the New York media and political establishment.

On Tuesday evening, when the article about Paterson's aide appeared online (to be published in print in The Times's Wednesday editions), it did not touch on the supposed questions of Paterson's character. Instead, the article focused on Paterson's 6-foot-7 assistant, David Johnson, who makes $132,000, has served the governor as a driver and traveling companion.

According to The Times, Johnson was involved in an incident involving harassment of a woman in the Bronx as recently as October. The newspaper said it was "unclear if the altercation was verbal or physical or both, but the case was listed as closed." In 2001, when Paterson was a state senator, Johnson reportedly hit a girlfriend outside Paterson's Harlem office. He was not arrested and through a spokesman denied having touched the woman.

Johnson has refused recent requests for interviews, The Times said.

A spokesman told The Times that Johnson had gone through a background check in 2008, which found no criminal record. Regarding the October incident, the Times quoted the spokesman, Peter E. Kauffmann, as saying, "The governor looked into the matter, and the complaint has been withdrawn."

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