Embattled New York Gov. David Paterson (D), whose low poll ratings have alarmed fellow Empire State Democrats and national party leaders, was defensive during an appearance Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press— and insisted that he still plans to run for a full term in 2010.Paterson, reacting to media accounts over the past week, said he had not been told directly by President Barack Obama to withdraw from the race and acknowledged only that White House officials “certainly sent the message that they have some concerns— about his political standing and its impact on New York Democrats up and down the ticket.Appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) appears to face a tough fight at the polls next year, and Republicans may target up to half a dozen Congressional seats held by Democrats. The Democrats’ narrow control of the state Senate also hangs in the balance.Paterson said the voters should be allowed to pass judgment on his performance since becoming governor in March 2008 following a sex scandal involving his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer (D).“I don’t think I’m a drag for my party,— Paterson said. “I think I’m standing up for my party’s priorities.—