Robin K. Cooper of the Business Review writes - “Business lobbying groups fear they’re losing an ally following Gov. David Paterson’s announcement today that he will bow out of the gubernatorial race…

Paterson’s decision not to run renders him a lame duck with 308 days left in his term as governor, which began less than two years ago after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal.

“At a time when the state is facing tough economic choices there has been this endless parade of three-ring circuses in Albany,” Elmendorf said.

Besides the changes in the executive chamber, the Legislature also was hobbled by a monthlong battle last summer over control of the state Senate.

“It’s an appropriate step for the governor in terms of suspending his campaign,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State.

“The important thing is for the governor and Legislature to focus on the state budget and the economic crisis,” Adams said. “New York is going to be the poster child for jobless recovery if we don’t get the budget right.”

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