Paterson claims he made initial scandal leak

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. David Paterson says he was the first to reveal to the media a conversation he had with the woman at the center of a domestic violence scandal involving a top aide.

Paterson told WOR Radio on Thursday that he was the first to say he had a conversation with Sherr-una Booker. She is a former girlfriend of David Johnson, an aide now on leave from the executive office.

Booker later failed to show for a hearing in the case against Johnson, resulting in its dismissal. Paterson says he didn’t urge her to drop the complaint.

Paterson didn’t say which media outlet he spoke with.

The New York Times first reported on the abuse report and the conversation. It posted a story on its Web site Thursday disputing Paterson’s comments.

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