NY Gov. Paterson's staff deserting him

New York reporters remain on Paterson administration deathwatch.

The embattled governor's communications director resigned today. In a statement, Peter Kauffmann said: "As a former officer in the United States Navy, integrity and commitment to public service are values I take seriously. Unfortunately, as recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position."

Kauffmann was caught up -- it appears inadvertently -- in the mini-scandal surrounding Paterson's solicitation of Yankees World Series tickets. He was scheduled to testify in Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's inquiry Thursday.

Meanwhile, NY1 reports that on Thursday Paterson "said he will be the governor tomorrow, but would not respond to questions about whether he'll be governor next week."

Kauffmann is the third Paterson official to resign in the last two weeks. 

Updated at 3:35 p.m.