NEW YORK, NY March 25, 2008 —During a lengthy televised interview last night, Gov. David Paterson said New York has a chance to set a tone of fiscal responsibility as it seeks to close a $4.6 billion budget gap.

PATERSON: I want New York to be a national leader in how to address our sagging economy, and that is my priority. And I want to do it in this budget.

REPORTER: Besides the April 1 budget deadline, Paterson's now widely-reported marital problems were also a central topic during the interview on NY1. When reporter Dominic Carter asked Paterson whether he would consider resignation, the governor had a light-hearted retort.

PATERSON: Well, maybe one night if I just get frustrated and jump across the desk and kill you for all these questions you're asking, Dominic, I guess I'll have to step down as governor. But anything short of that I don't think so.

REPORTER: Paterson also acknowledged that he had used illegal drugs as a young adult, including marijuana, and tried cocaine a few times.

But he said he's been drug-free since the late 70s. Paterson also pointed out that he had already publicly admitted that he had used illegal drugs, back when he was running for lieutenant governor.

Paterson says his candor is all part of an effort to move the state forward.