The meeting that the Rev. Al Sharpton had convened before today’s bombshell press conference by the governor for tomorrow with black leaders is still on, several people said – but the focus has shifted.

The attendees are by and large expected to support Attorney General Andrew Cuomo as the party’s nominee for governor, a turn of events that had seemed like it could be difficult just six months ago – but which is now being welcomed by most party insiders.

But Paterson’s decision not to run, despite his problems, is a “real blow” to black leadership in the city, said one source, adding that ensuring the voices of the city’s African-American leaders remain strong and heard in a second Cuomo administration is going to be an item on the agenda.