Paterson's press secretary resigns amid scandal

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. David Paterson's press secretary is resigning, making her the fourth top staffer to resign amid scandals that threaten the administration.

Press Secretary Marissa Shorenstein says she is quitting because her reported role in one of the scandals makes her unable to do her job effectively. She says it's been a privilege to work for Paterson.

The New York Times had reported that Shorenstein, at Paterson's direction, contacted a woman who had accused a trusted Paterson aide of abuse. The woman dropped her claim soon after.

Shorenstein says she has always performed her duties with integrity and based her actions "on what I believed to be true at the time."

Paterson's communications director, deputy public safety secretary and state police superintendent have also resigned.