New York Governor appeals ruling blocking his Lt. Governor

Reuters ^ | Jul 22, 2009 | NA

[neverdem]

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York Governor David Paterson will appeal a Nassau County court's ruling that found he lacked the power to appoint a lieutenant governor and blocks him from carrying out his role, Paterson's spokesman said.

Spokesman Peter Kauffmann, in a statement late Tuesday, said: "Governor Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch as Lieutenant Governor is legally sound and we are confident the appellate courts will ultimately rule in our favor."

The court fight could interfere with the state senate's ability to approve bills and again casts doubt on who would succeed Paterson, a Democrat, if he could not carry out his role.

New York has not had a lieutenant governor since last year, when Paterson left the post to become governor. Ravitch, a financial consultant and political adviser.

The state senate was gridlocked for nearly five weeks, starting on June 8, while the Republicans and Democrats fought for control. One of the main battles concerned the senate presidency as this office-holder is third in line to become governor.

While lieutenant governors cannot vote on bills or substantive issues, they can break ties on procedural matters. With the senate Democrats now in control but divided in factions, the lieutenant governor's role becomes more important.

Long Island's Nassau County is where the Republican's senate leader, Dean Skelos, makes his home, and Paterson's lawyers say the suit instead should be fought in Albany because that is where the lieutenant governor serves...

[neverdem]

Ravitch, a financial consultant and political adviser.

No wonder there's no byline.

[Alberta's Child]

I'm surprised this story hasn't gotten more attention. The legal ramifications of this case could be very big for New York State moving forward.

That whole debacle with the state Senate was pretty amazing.