If David Paterson needed an object lesson on how he needs to pick a position and stick to it, he has it now: Had the governor not let chief of staff Charles O’Byrne walk away over his tax problems in October, he would have treated Caroline Kennedy much better in the selection process to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate. O’Byrne and Kennedy are old family friends. He officiated at her brother’s wedding and funeral. He’s also credited with keeping the governor’s head on straight with regard to policy issues. Now that Paterson wants him back, he can’t have him — O’Byrne is irate over the Kennedy issue. It’s not quite a catch-22, but it is a painful lesson in loyalty — taught, in part, by a family of masters. [NYP]
