What's a Paterson Endorsement Worth Upstate?

ALBANY—David Paterson took to the road this weekend, appearing at a double-barreled rally for Joe Mesi—who's vying to fill the State Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mary Lou Rath—and State Senator Bill Stachowski, who, according to Siena, is back to leading challenger Dennis Delano.

The appearances stand in contrast to a pledge Paterson reportedly made to stay out of partisan campaigning in the State Senate—a promise Republicans are complaining he violated.

Reached by phone in the town of Byron in Genesee County, Mesi said the governor's appearance was a welcome boost, even though Paterson verbally pledged his support several weeks ago.

"It was a very encouraging and strengthening moment for our campaign to have his endorsement. He has very favorable ratings, he's shown great leadership and he's showing great leadership right now in getting leaders back in session," Mesi said.

While Paterson, who was born in Harlem and grew up on Long Island, remains popular with upstate voters, the timing means the trip might not carry as much weight as it could.

"He has political capital; I just don't think it was used as successfully as it could have been this year," said Kevin Hardwick, a professor of political science at Canisius College and a host of a political radio program. "Most voters who were undecided probably were not touched by the visit. It got lost in anything else that was going on."

In addition appearing for Mesi and Stachowski, Paterson earlier attended a fund-raiser for Rick Dollinger, an old State Senate compatriot who is challenging incumbent State Senator Joe Robach for his Rochester-area seat. Paterson has also endorsed Kathy Konst, who is attempting to unseat State Senator Dale Volker.

Although there are many bigger factors, Paterson is sufficiently invested in the Senate elections for the result to reflect on his political strength, and on the value of his public friendship. If the Democrats pick up Rath's seat and knock out Robach and Volker, he'll certainly be entitled to some bragging rights. If not, he could be derided for not having done enough, early enough.

And if nothing happens?

"If I were to go out on a limb, I think we'll have a net change of nothing," said Hardwick of Paterson's campaigning. "I don't think he's viewed as that big a factor here."