Tracy Sefl, the Washington-based strategist and chief spokesman for Gov. Paterson’s troubled election campaign, has abruptly resigned, saying “my decision is a business one.”
Sefl, in a formal statement released a few minutes ago, insisted that “it has been a privilege to work with the governor over the past year” and “I wish him and his team — both at the campaign and inside the Executive Chamber– much success.”
But Sefl’s announcement came one week after Paterson revealed that his fundraising effort had fallen far behind those of his rival for governor, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and just six days since The Post revealed that the governor had a controversial luncheon with a 34 year old woman at a New Jersey steakhouse.
Sources said revelations about the luncheon, which Paterson insisted was innocent but which witnesses said involving the governor repeatedly kissing the neck of his companion, as well as the governor’s disappointing fund raising figures, were factors in Sefl’s decision.