Politics on the Hudson

   In a statement released this morning, Gov. David Paterson continued to express his support of his top aide, Charles O’Byrne, who has come under fire in recent days for not paying his taxes on time between 2001 and 2005.

   O’Byrne, who has worked for Paterson since 2004 (when Paterson was Senate minority leader), said he was suffering from clinical depression and did not meet all his obligations because of that, including paying taxes. Senate Investigations Committee Chairman George Winner, R-Elmira, said the Senate will be probing the issue.

   This is what the governor said:

“I understand that Senator George Winner has indicated a need to review Charles O’Byrne’s tax situation.

“His interest is appropriate and I know that Mr. O’Byrne will cooperate fully with Senator Winner. I was with the senator just a couple of weeks ago in Ithaca and had the chance to express my respect for his character and integrity.

“I hope that the senator examines the key question concerning Mr. O’Byrne. Can an individual who once suffered from a debilitating illness and who once owed a substantial sum of taxes, and who has remedied both of those issues, serve in the New York State government. The answer for me is yes. I think once he sees all the facts he will come to the same conclusion I have.

“Let me be clear, I have full confidence in Charles O’Byrne.”