STATEMENT FROM BARBARA COMSTOCK, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

WASHINGTON, D.C.- "A recent story in The New York Times (10/23/02, "McCall and Golisano Attack Pataki on Use of Rikers Island Chief in Campaign Work," by Shaila K. Dewan) and an item in "Capitol Wire" (10/21/02) have both indicated that the Department of Justice has an ongoing investigation regarding housing of the mentally ill in nursing homes in New York state."

"These stories are incorrect. The Justice Department has not announced any investigation of this matter, nor is there any pending investigation. Rather, as a result of recent news reports, the matters are under review. No determination has been made at this point whether the facts in this case warrant an investigation."

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02-615