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ALBANY — Gov. David Paterson's energetic response to the state budget crisis has been the hallmark of his tenure, but even as he was ordering state agencies to cut their spending and warning of even tougher times ahead, his Office of General Services was buying a $21,000 custom-stitched 10-foot-by-15-foot antique carpet for the governor's mansion.  

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In a statement, OGS spokesman Brad Maione noted the building, also known as the Executive Mansion, is a kind of museum as well as the residence for Paterson and his family when they're not in New York City.

"It serves as a public space that in many ways is a museum — open to thousands of visitors and school children each year," said Maione, who added that more than 6,000 people have visited the mansion during the past few years.

"This historic landmark requires ongoing maintenance and upkeep," said Maione, who added that a total of four rugs were purchased for the building this year at a total cost of $37,741.

That's not to say that people can wander into the 19th-century mansion as if it were the State Museum: When the Times Union on Wednesday asked permission to get a photograph of the carpet, the request was denied — with Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook citing security reasons.

Unless there is a designated event, the Eagle Street mansion is generally off-limits to the public, and guarded by State Police officers.

Quoted from senders

It was already in the budget.....j.