Debate over Lt. Gov position heads back to court today
(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.




