For Immediate Release
March 4, 2010

Chairman of State Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus Asks Rev. Sharpton to Give
Governor Paterson A Chance

Albany, NY - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr., Chairman of the New York State Senate Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus, on behalf of Caucus members Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. and Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, today urged Rev. Al Sharpton and the coalition of African-American leaders who are scheduled to meet at Sylvia’s Restaurant tonight to not abandon Governor Paterson at this moment.

“On behalf of the Caucus members who met with Governor Paterson on Tuesday, I am urging Rev. Sharpton and the leaders of the African-American Community to not abandon Governor Paterson and to give him an opportunity to present his side of the story. Latino legislators are standing by the Governor at this moment, and I am asking African American legislators to do the same,” stated Senator Díaz.

“The allegations that have been reported in the news are very serious, but in the United States of America, we believe someone is innocent until proven guilty,” stated Senator Díaz.  “Governor Paterson should at least be afforded this right that all Americans hold so dear,” concluded Senator Díaz.

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