NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Should New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo decide to run for governor, the Democratic nomination appears to be his.

Current Gov. David Paterson is not running for re-election this year, The Associated Press reported Friday. Cuomo has not stated that he will run, but led Paterson in many polls.

It has been revealed that Paterson called a woman who accused one of his aides, David Johnson, of domestic violence. After the call, she did not show up for a court hearing and the case was dropped.

The New York Times reported that the head of Paterson's security detail also contacted the woman. The matter has been referred to Cuomo for investigation.

A poll conducted by Siena College showed Cuomo with a 64 percent-22 percent lead over Paterson in a primary election, and a 63-26 lead over Republican Rick Lazio in a general election.

Cuomo's most recent high-profile legal action is a fraud lawsuit against Bank of America.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.