NY Gov. Paterson being teed up: "He's become paranoid; he sits gnashing his teeth" over scandal

ALBANY -- Gov. Paterson is lashing out at top aides for the growing debacle surrounding what they consider a "corrupt" Aqueduct gambling deal decision -- and suggesting that they'll soon be fired, The Post has learned.

"He's become paranoid. He sits gnashing his teeth, looking around for scapegoats among the people around him," said a source frequently in contact with Paterson. "He's lecturing them, launching into tirades, and he's demoralized the entire staff in the process."

In response, several Paterson aides have signaled they may quit over what some call his "corrupt decision" to give the lucrative Aqueduct gaming contract to a questionable consortium that includes the Rev. Floyd Flake of Queens, whose political support the poll-challenged governor has aggressively sought.

"Aqueduct was the last straw for many of them, they all want out," said a source close to Paterson's aides. "Even on the inside, the Aqueduct decision is seen as corrupt," added a second administration source.

For months, aides to Paterson privately complained about what they called the governor's lack of focus on critical issues, his poor work habits and late-night, booze-fueled "disappearances" at trendy nightclubs and undisclosed locations -- when even his State Police bodyguards don't know where he is.