Paterson started out with very high approval ratings after he repllaced disgracedd Governor Eliot Spitzer in March 2008. Even Republicans leaders weree dancing in the aisles.
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Paterson's popularity collapsed in early 2009, following his confused search for a replacement for the Senate seat vacated by [[Hillary Clinton]], and the sharp downturn in state finances as part of the [[Recession of 2008]].
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Paterson finally picked the most conservative possible candidate for the Senate seat, [[Kirsten Gillibrand]], angering liberals.
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With the $133 billion state budget in the red by $17.7 billion, Paterson came into conflict with public service unions who rejected his call for sacrifice.