For more than a week now, Governor David Paterson has been dealing with two political and legal scandals, but Monday, he turned his attention to the budget, holding a town hall meeting in Brooklyn to talk about the financial problems facing the state. Our Grace Rauh has more.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

It was an opportunity for the governor to send a message to New Yorkers -- that he's still in charge and capable of running the state.

"I have been the target of rumors and innuendo, but it hasn't stopped me," Paterson said.

It also offered the embattled politician a chance to change the subject.

"We are crossing that Rubicon between recession and something else far worse if my colleagues in the legislature and I can't close a $9.2 billion deficit," said Paterson.

It's been a rough few weeks for Paterson, who is under investigation for allegedly attempting to interfere with a domestic abuse case involving a top aide. There are calls for him to resign, but he's been defiant, vowing to stay in office until the end of the year.

Many have questioned whether the governor has the ability to forge a budget deal with the state legislature given the allegations surrounding his administration. But Paterson insisted Monday he actually comes to the negotiating table with a unique advantage.

"The most significant hindrance to negotiating with the legislature is a governor running for reelection," Paterson said.

That's no longer an issue since he ended his campaign.

Some in the crowd said they support his efforts and want him to stick around.

"I really believe that Governor Paterson is able to continue and finish out his term and just move along with the business of the state," said Rev. Taharka Robinson.

"I felt it was very important for the governor to show that he is a leader, that he's not going to let that's happening to him in the press deter him," said Julius Tajiddin.

The governor refused to answer questions about the investigation. He says his lawyer advised him to keep quiet. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the governor to address the allegations head on.

"I think the issues have to be addressed and he should be addressing them," Silver said.

For now, though, the only issue the governor seems eager to talk about is the budget.