That's the big question on Albany's lips, says the Times-Union. Rumors are swirling that the unpopular governor may be having an affair (or more than one?). Whether it's in a restaurant in New Jersey or a closet in the governor's mansion, Paterson can't seem to shake these rumors.

The last few weeks have brought two major eruptions of rumors concerning Paterson's private life: reports of nuzzling at a New Jersey restaurant and being caught in semi-flagrante in a utility closet in the Governor's Mansion -- stories that Paterson and his press office have vehemently denied.

According to sources who have actually been interviewed for the Times' story, its central narrative is the role played by members of Paterson's inner circle in his personal and political activities.

Rumors about a possibly publication date for the story have ranged from Monday to today; the latest suggests Sunday, but it's hard to believe that the Times would hold the story much longer when knowledge that it's pending has put every other reporter in the Capitol and elsewhere on the scent. Possible reasons for delay include editorial fine-tuning and thorough legal review.