Politics on the Hudson

New York City Archbishop Timothy Dolan said he’s giving Gov. David Paterson the benefit of the doubt in the myriad scandals threatening his administration.

“I feel sorry for him. I think he’s a man with a good heart,” Dolan said on Talk 1300-AM this morning in Albany. “I think his heart and mind are in the right place. I’m sorry to see him go through this personally because I feel rather close to him.”

Dolan said he expressed the same sentiment to Paterson in a recent phone call. But Dolan said the state needs leadership during these difficult fiscal times.

“As a citizen, my sympathy is extended a bit because I also know this is causing immense distraction from the real work of the state at a time that’s rather critical, where we need leadership.”

But Dolan said he wants to give Paterson the benefit of the doubt until the investigations into Paterson’s administration are complete, saying “I think the governor is going to be the first to admit that he’s frustrated too, because he knows he’s distracted.”

Dolan is in town as part of the state’s Catholic Conference’s lobbying day. He’s giving the opening prayer in the Assembly chambers this afternoon and then meeting with Paterson behind closed doors along with other bishops from across the state.

“I’m praying for him. I hope it works out,” Dolan said of Paterson.