Governor David Paterson announced Friday that his campaign for a full term is over. Our Josh Robin has the details from New York City where the governor held a news conference.

NEW YORK -- Governor Paterson has officially announced that he is dropping his bid for a full term as governor. The decision comes amid a growing scandal involving domestic violence allegations against a top aide.

During a news conference Friday from his New York City office, Paterson said he made the decision as a result of the recent distractions, but vowed that he has never abused his power in office, "not now, not ever." He added that he is "being realistic about politics."

"It hasn't been the latest distraction," he said. "It's been an accumulation of obstacles that have obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public. Therefore there are times in politics when you have to know not to strive for service, but to step back."

Paterson said now he can dedicate his remaining more than 300 days in office to working on the budget.

During the announcement, which came just one day after he said he would not cancel his campaign, he highlighted his achievements, including reforming the Rockefeller drug laws, reducing $33 billion in the state's deficit and passing campaign finance reforms.

Paterson formally announced his campaign just last Saturday, but has been under fire for having contact with a woman seeking an order of protection against the aide, David Johnson.

The governor's office acknowledged that the governor spoke to Johnson's accuser, but said that she placed the call and a spokesman denied anyone tried to keep her from pursuing a domestic violence case.

Paterson said he will cooperate fully with the attorney general's investigation.

Paterson's decision to end his campaign paves the way for State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to seek the Democratic nomination.

Paterson said that he has offered his assistance to Cuomo should he decide to be a candidate.

Meanwhile, Cuomo issued a statement saying, "I am sure this is a difficult choice and a sad day for the Governor and his family. It is in the best interests of all New Yorkers that the state government function through this difficult time and address the pressing budgetary problems we face. This is an election year and I will announce my plans at the appropriate time. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on my job as Attorney General and the many important issues we are pursuing."