Paterson Refutes "Sleazy" Rumors ALBANY (wned) - New York Governor David Paterson is lashing back at what he calls an assault on his character that includes accusations about womanizing and drug use.

The Democratic governor told the Associated Press on Monday that news media and New York politics have hit new lows.

He says it won't stop him from serving in office or seeking election to a full term in the fall.

He cited a New York Post report on January 30 that he was caught by state police in the mansion with a woman other than his wife as fabricated.

He said the room in which he was reportedly caught doesn't even exist and called it a "sleazy and callous" attack on his character.

He would address other allegations only broadly but denied all sexual relationships and drug use that are among the accusations.

Post spokeswoman Suzi Halpin says the newspaper stands by its reporting.

Senate President Malcom Smith told reporters that the "rumors" should be either confirmed or dropped.

Smith called the ongoing speculation a "detriment to the entire state" since the governor's negotiation stance would be undermined if he was considered a "lame duck." © Copyright 2012, wned