Changes

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]].   

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]].   

Paterson finally picked the most conservative possible candidate for the Senate seat, [[Kirsten Gillibrand]], angering liberals.

Paterson finally picked a rather conservative democrat candidate for the Senate seat, [[Kirsten Gillibrand]], angering liberals.

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. Polls in September 2009 show his unpopularity had set a new record: only 17% of New Yorkers were favorable.

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. Polls in September 2009 show his unpopularity had set a new record: only 17% of New Yorkers were favorable.