A powerful state politician joined with Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday in suggesting that Islamic leaders should move a proposed Islamic center and mosque farther from ground zero, saying the organizers should be more sensitive to opponents.

The Cordoba Initiative has the right to build the center at a building two blocks from Ground Zero but should be open to compromise, said New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who represents the lower Manhattan district.

"In the spirit of living with others, they should be cognizant of the feelings of others and try to find a location that doesn't engender the deep feelings the currently exist about this site," Silver said.