The deepest financial recession since the 1920s has created big problems for New York State. But, leading the state through the fiscal obstacle course of a recovery could be a tough task made even tougher for David Paterson. A governor facing a White House urging him not to run again, and an attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, quietly lining up support for a challenge. Bill Carey says, for his part, Paterson is soldiering on.

NEW YORK STATE -- The governor of New York signs new legislation freeing up millions in new monies to aid homeowners and businesses in weatherizing buildings, and create new jobs in green industries.

"It will also be a shot in the arm to the research and development institutions that are creating what will be, the innovation technologies of the 21st century," said Governor David Paterson.

Amid the talk of energy savings, more discussion of a hemorrhaging budget and the need to cut spending.

"We are now in the danger area where we can't wait and do it in February, which is what we did last year."

It was yet another show of a Governor trying desperately to show he's hard at work, even at a time when many see him as a political "dead man walking".

While the issues may be the budget and energy, overriding every appearance by the Governor, these days, is the question about what will happen in 2010. The uncertainty over whether Paterson will even make it to the ballot comes at the very time he needs political capital for upcoming legislative struggles. Lawmakers say too much is made of the political battle ahead.

"The perception would be that it certainly could weaken the Governor, but still it's a long way until Election Day next year," said Sen. Darrel Aubertine, (D) 48th State Senate District.

"I don't think it doesn't have an impact, but I think, from a governing perspective, I think we have to do what's in the best interest of the people of the state of New York," said Sen. David Valesky, (D) 49th State Senate District.

There is the argument that Paterson's "tough times" are less a product of his missteps as they are of the tough economic times.

"People have it on their minds. People are cognizant of the fact that the next time people go to the voting booths they will consider the economy as part of it. Who they blame, we really don't know. Whether it's incumbents generally. Whether they want change. But it's bigger than New York," said Sheldon Silver, (D) State Assembly Speaker.

Paterson is still running, but says, for now, his focus is on the issues, not the politics.

"Well, I'm not part of the distraction," he said.