Paterson was Spitzer's lieutenant governor and became governor when Spitzer resigned. Andrew is Mario's son and is currently the Attorney General. He is running for Governor in the upcoming election and is far more popular and well-funded than Governor Paterson. The Dems fear that a primary race would waste resources and divide the party. They would much rather have Cuomo face the Republican candidate and be done with it.

Spitzer was the "sheriff of Wall Street" and ran on this squeaky clean image. He had a definitely superior attitude. There were plenty who were happy to take him down, although I understand that they stumbled on his involvement with the prostitution ring completely by accident.