Debate over Lt. Gov position heads back to court today

July 10, 2009 8:34 AM

AP/CBS 6 Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- An appellate judge has overruled a decision

that blocked Gov. David Paterson from appointing a lieutenant

governor.

Paterson on Wednesday named Richard Ravitch as lieutenant

governor. He was hoping to break a leadership logjam in the state

Senate.

The ruling by state Supreme Court Associate Justice Leonard

Austin in Nassau County overturns a restraining order that

Republicans had obtained earlier Thursday.

A separate hearing on whether Paterson can appoint a lieutenant

governor is scheduled for Friday.

Paterson already swore in Ravitch on Wednesday night to try to

help resolve a Senate standoff that had dragged on since June 8.

The turmoil ended Thursday when the dissident Democrat who joined

Republicans returned to the Democratic conference.

(ALBANY) -- Senate Republicans are expected to go to court today to fight whether Governor Paterson has the right to appoint a lieutenant governor.

In a historic move Wednesday Governor Paterson took to the airwaves to announce that he was naming Richard Ravitch lieutenant governor for the remainder of his term.

Hours later Republicans were able to obtain a restraining order, but on Thursday an appellate judge overruled that decision that blocked Gov. David Paterson from appointing a lieutenant governor.

Paterson already swore in Ravitch on Wednesday night to try to help resolve a Senate standoff that had dragged on since June 8, but says he will not have him preside over session until a decision is made.

The turmoil ended Thursday when dissident Democrat Sen. Pedro Espada Jr., who joined Republicans, returned to the Democratic conference as Senate Majority Leader.

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