ALBANY, N.Y. — New York state’s top Democratic leaders in the Legislature are sending a qualified message of support to embattled Gov. David Paterson, even as he vows to run for election next year.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he supports the governor “right now.” That was after reporters had to remind the Manhattan Democrat that Paterson has already declared his plan to run in 2010. Initially Silver said Wednesday that Paterson would have to make his own decision.

Sen. John Sampson of Brooklyn says Senate Democrats are behind the governor “150 percent, until otherwise known.”

Paterson has been struggling with waning approval ratings and reports the White House want him to drop out of the gubernatorial race so Attorney General Andrew Cuomo can lead the Democratic ticket.