New York, NY - Rick Lazio sent a letter to New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller today regarding rumors surrounding Governor David Paterson. The contents of the letter are below:

Mr. Bill Keller

Executive Editor

New York Times

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

                                                                                    February 8, 2010

Dear Mr. Keller

Your paper has generated a media firestorm that is directly hurting the Governor of the State of New York, David Paterson. This is not because of a story you have published, but because of the hype surrounding an unconfirmed story that has grown larger than the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Your paper has a responsibility to report the truth, and the public expects nothing less. End the shroud of secrecy surrounding your potential story.

If the New York Times is working on or has a story, then you should confirm or print it. If you do not, then you have a moral obligation to stop the drama and the psychological warfare on Governor Paterson.

Unfortunately, these rumors about the Governor are a sad reflection of Albany politics. No public official deserves to be the subject of over a week of innuendo and nasty speculation. I hope you do the right thing, and do it soon.

Sincerely,

Rick Lazio

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