Paladino says Speaker Sheldon Silver “‘a criminal’”

Crain's reported that in speaking at a forum the publication sponsored, GOP candidate for governor Carl Paladino referred to Democratic New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as "'a criminal.'" He subsequently admitted Silver had not been convicted of or even charged with any crimes but also asserted that the Speaker should be investigated for possible illegal activity.

Smerd, Jeremy. Carl Paladino calls Shelly Silver a 'criminal.' Crain's New York Business. October 5, 2010.