Reports: N.Y. Gov. Paterson To Announce Retirement Friday

It's hardly a surprise, but here's at least one source:

The New York Daily News is reporting that Gov. David Paterson (D), his administration under fire for an inappropriate contact with a woman who accused David Johnson, a top Paterson aide of assault, will announce later today (Friday) that he will end his bid for election this year.

The decision was expected in the wake of a damaging piece in Thursday's New York Times that chronicled the contacts between administration and state police figures and the woman.

The Daily News' report, by Kenneth Lovett, says that Paterson will not resign, insisting on finishing out his term. He became governor in 2008 following the resignation of Eliot Spitzer, embroiled in a prostitution scandal. The piece also states the obvious: "The decision clears the way for Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who is the favorite of many Democrats, to seek the nomination unimpeded."

More to come.