The New York Times demonstrates today that David Paterson, New York’s blind governor, is also dumb: He pressured a woman beat up by one of his closest aides not to press charges.

This after his very-public criticism of a sleazeball state senator who beat up his girlfriend.

Which raises many questions, not the least of which is why the aide, 37-year-old David W. Johnson, even works for the governor: He used to sell coke and has on three occasions been involved in “altercations” with women, two of which led to the police being called.

Paterson himself is not exactly a paragon of morality: On assuming Eliot Spitzer’s seat, he promptly confessed to an adulterous affair and there are ubiquitous rumors that he hasn’t kicked the habit.

Paterson’s behavior is hurting the people of a state which really needs good governance right now. He should do the decent thing and resign.