Chris Cox, son of the state GOP chairman and a candidate for congress in Suffolk County, issued a statement calling on the governor to resign — the first of what insiders predict will ultimately become a broader call.

“Our public officials are accountable to the people and must be held responsible for their conduct,” he said. “Gov. Paterson’s actios revealed today … cross the line. I call on Paterson to resign — effective immediately – so someone else can work to restore confidence and integrity to the office of the governor.”