Pending Legal Action Muddies Paterson's Lt. Gov Pick
Thursday, July 09, 2009
New York, NY –
Governor Paterson says his new lieutenant governor won't immediately preside over a special Senate session, because pending legal action has muddied the situation.
REPORTER: Appearing with Richard Ravitch today, Paterson acknowledged that the Constitution is not crystal clear on his authority to appoint a lieutenant governor.
PATERSON: But we are ready to stand any court action, to demonstrate to the court that this is a legal, constitutional appointment.
REPORTER: Paterson says a Nassau county judge's injunction against the appointment, secured by Republicans overnight, came after Ravitch was sworn in, and also says only Albany courts have jurisdiction over such matters.
Ravitch, a veteran of several political and financial crises in New York, avoided legal questions at this morning's news conference, saying only he's ready to help in any way he can.
RAVITCH: There are certainly problems that this current legislature imposes that I have had no prior experiences dealing with. But I've always found that the process ultimately works.
REPORTER: Ravitch stressed that he will quote "never" be a candidate for elective office.
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