Updated 03/18/2010 05:55 AM
Governor's press secretary announces resignation
Governor Paterson's press secretary is resigning amid scandals that threaten the administration. Marissa Shorenstein says she is quitting because her reported role in one of the scandals makes her unable to do her job effectively. Our Grace Rauh has the latest.
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- Governor David Paterson's press secretary announced her resignation today, becoming the fifth person from his administration to resign within a month.
Marisa Shorenstein was one of two state employees who the governor allegedly asked to contact the Bronx woman who had filed a domestic abuse case against Paterson aide David Johnson. The governor's role in the incident is under investigation.
Shorenstein released a statement this afternoon saying, "Due to the circumstances that have led to my unwitting involvement in recent news stories, I can no longer do my job effectively. Throughout my career I have performed my duties professionally and with integrity, basing my actions on what I believed to be true at the time."
This resignation marks the fifth person to leave Paterson's cabinet.
On March 4, Communications Director Peter Kauffmann stepped down, saying that he could not, in good conscience, continue in his current position.
Other Paterson officials who have recently resigned include Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Denise O'Donnell and two State Police heads.
O’Donnell stepped down after it was reported that the State Police were involved in the alleged domestic assault cover-up. Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt then retired, followed by Acting State Police Superintendent Pedro Perez.
Shortly following Shorenstein's action today, Paterson announced the appointment of Morgan Hook as communications director. Hook has been serving as upstate press secretary for the governor.