Preliminary reviews of Hillary Clinton's just-released schedules as First Lady haven't yet found anything earth-shattering or controversial. Instead, the biggest danger for Clinton's presidential aspirations in having journalists comb through the documents is that unpleasant memories of the Clinton years may soon be back in the headlines.

An early example from ABC News: "Hillary Clinton spent the night in the White House on the day her husband had oral sex with Monica Lewinsky, and may have actually been there when it happened, according to records of her schedule released today by the National Archives."

Another example: "In December, 2000, when both of Hillary Clinton's brothers were involved in trying to broker pardon arrangements for associates, several days of documents show only a long list of 'private meetings' at the White House."

The other big danger is that the schedules will shed some light on some of Clinton's claims of "35 years of experience," such as this headline from The Guardian: "Clinton a long way from the White House at key foreign policy moments."

Or this from the AP: "She was also involved in helping her husband win congressional approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a deal she now criticizes and says she would try to change."

With five weeks until the Pennsylvania primary, expect political journalists to use these documents to source many more stories on Clinton's White House years.

Two days ago, few New Yorkers even knew who their lieutenant governor was. On Monday -- due to Gov. Elliot Spitzer's sudden resignation in response to a sex scandal -- David Paterson (D) will be sworn in as New York's 55th governor. He has just five days to make the transition.

Other than a New York Times piece that says Paterson has a "history of defying expectations," there are few clues as to how he'll govern. In fact, due to his current mostly ceremonial role, he's probably given it little thought himself. So, with such little time, Patterson should pick up the phone and immediately call two politicians in neighboring states.

The first call should go to Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R), who served as lieutenant governor when Gov. John Rowland decided to step down in 2004 prior to an indictment on corruption charges. Rell had just 10 days to make the transition. Knowingly, she told Governing that Paterson "must be shaking in his boots." She's since become an extremely popular political figure in her state and was overwhelmingly elected in 2006 to a full term. 

The second call should be to New Jersey Senate President Dick Codey (D), who served as New Jersey's governor after the sudden resignation of Gov. James McGreevey (D) in 2004. Despite having no advance warning that he would be pushed into the top job, Codey also proved to be a very popular governor. 

Longtime readers know I don't like making predictions. Unpredictability is one of the great things about politics. However, I've told my New York friends that Gov. Elliot Spitzer's downfall was inevitable ever since his landslide gubernatorial victory in 2006. While the details were surprising, the warning signs of scandal were just too clear.

Rule #1: If you ride into elective office as a crusader on your white horse, people will try to knock you off. If you're arrogant, they'll try harder. In Spitzer's case, he came into office on a streamroller but the lesson is the same. The forces of bureaucracy and the status quo are incredibly powerful. Show any sign of vulnerability or hypocrisy and they'll stop you right in your tracks.

Rule #2: You need friends and allies in politics. Even politicians with the best intentions get pushed off course. But without people on your side, you'll spend most of your time trying to get out of a ditch. Your adversaries will work tirelessly to keep you there. Since his inauguration, Spitzer has even had people in his own party cheering for his demise.