David Paterson Separated: Former N.Y. Governor, Wife Split After 19 Years Of Marriage

Former Gov. David Paterson (D-N.Y.) and his wife have separated, a Paterson spokesman confirmed Saturday to the New York Post and the Daily News.

Paterson and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 19 years. Though the two have not formally filed for divorce, the Post reports that the couple have been separated for several months and are no longer living together. Paterson's representative describes the split as "mutual and amicable."

Paterson, who served as Lieutenant Governor under Eliot Spitzer, was thrust into office in 2008 after Spitzer resigned due to revelations about his involvement with prostitutes. Shortly after taking office, both Paterson and his wife admitted to previous extramarital affairs.

After a brief campaign to run for a full gubernatorial term, Paterson dropped his bid in February 2010 after allegations over interfering in a domestic violence case involving a longtime aide spurred many Democrats to urge Paterson to step aside to clear the way for now-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.