Sean Patrick Maloney

Sean Patrick Maloney (born 1966) is an American politician from New York State and, in 2006, was a Democratic candidate for state Attorney General. He currently serves as First Deputy Secretary to the Governor, which makes him a senior advisor and Cabinet member of New York Gov. David Paterson. He also served as First Deputy Secretary in the Administration of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer. He is considered to be a potential candidate for Governor in 2010.

Personal life
Maloney has been with his partner, Randy Florke (b. 1962), for fifteen years. They have three adopted children (Jésus, Daley, and Essie) and reside in New York City and Albany.

Law career
Maloney earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1988, and worked in Peru as a volunteer social worker from 1988 to 1989. In 1992, he received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Maloney was an associate at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, specializing in institutional investigations until 2007. Maloney also represents the family of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard.

From 2000 to 2003, Maloney served as Chief Operating Officer of Kiodex, Inc., a Warburg Pincus portfolio company.

Political career
Maloney was a senior West Wing advisor to President Bill Clinton between 1997 and 2000. Maloney was the youngest person ever to serve as the President's White House Staff Secretary, and was also the highest-ranking openly gay man ever to serve on theWhite House staff.

Maloney was hired in January 2007 by Governor Eliot Spitzer as First Deputy Secretary under Spitzer's top adviser, Rich Baum. He is continuing in the role under Paterson's top advisor, Charles O'Byrne. Maloney was one of the first top Spitzer aides to be retained by Paterson following Spitzer's resignation on March 17, 2008.

2010 Governor's Race
Maloney is considered to be a potential candidate for Governor of New York in 2010 if current Governor David Paterson decides not to run.

2006 election for state Attorney General
Maloney's campaign was lauded for its innovative use of technology, fundraising ability, and successful grassroots outreach. Maloney's candor during televised debates received wide praise in the media. Maloney came in third place in the September 12, 2006 Democratic primary, obtaining 9.4% of the vote.