ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - In his first direct denial of the accusation, New York Governor David Paterson says he didn't try to persuade a woman to drop a domestic violence complaint against one of his top aides.

Paterson made the denial Wednesday on Don Imus' morning show on the Fox Business Network. He agreed with Imus when the host asked whether Senator Kristen Gillibrand, whom Paterson appointed, threw the governor "under the bus."

Gillibrand has said that if Paterson is found to have violated the law, he should resign.

Paterson is being investigated for whether he made illegal contact with the woman and has insisted he did nothing wrong.

He went a step further Wednesday and said he never urged her to do anything but follow the law.

Gillibrand had no immediate comment.

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