Paterson Launches Campaign for Governor BUFFALO (wned) - David Paterson launched a campaign for a full term as New York governor Saturday with a rally and speech in his hometown of Hempstead. About 400 people gathered at Hofstra University to hear Paterson become the first Democrat to enter the race.

"I'm kicking off my campaign in Hempstead because this is where my family moved when my parents were searching for a mainstream school that would welcome a child who was blind," said the Governor. "It was in Hempstead that I learned to believe in myself and to never give up, no matter how many times someone would tell me that I couldn't do something."

Paterson delivered what his aides called a "people first" message.

"This election isn't about me. This election is about you - the people of New York and I will never stop putting the people first," Paterson said.

Paterson became governor in March 2008 after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal. While Paterson enjoyed strong support early on in his administration, his poll numbers in the past year have dropped to historic lows and he's struggled recently to quell unsubstantiated rumors about her personal life. During his speech, he admitted he's had a "difficult past few weeks."

"Innuendo and ridicule and false rumors, they leave a long and lasting effect. And it's no surprise that it comes in the middle of a budget process where special interests have a lot to lose, and at the beginning of a campaign," Paterson said.

Many expect Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to challenge Paterson in a Democratic primary. Cuomo has much stronger poll numbers and has about $16-million in campaign cash. Paterson reportedly has about $3-million.

On the Republican side, former Congressman Rick Lazio is the only declared candidate.

Paterson was scheduled to campaign Saturday afternoon in Rochester and is expected to be in West Seneca on Sunday. © Copyright 2012, wned