ALBANY — In a bold move aimed at bringing “stability to our government,” Gov. Paterson publicly presented Richard Ravitch as his lieutenant governor this afternoon in order to preside over the gridlocked state Senate.
In a highly unusual ceremony last night at Peter Lugar’s restaurant in Brooklyn, Ravitch was sworn in as Lt. Governor yesterday at 8 p.m.
This morning, Republicans said they had secured a court order suspending Paterson’s plan to appoint a lieutenant governor.
“It’s not unconstitutional because there’s nothing in the constitution about it,” Paterson said during a news conference in Albany.
Paterson’s lawyers later said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo declined to represent the governor in the legal dispute over the appointment.
Paterson’s office said Cuomo couldn’t represent the governor because he has a different opinion on the issue. Earlier this week, Cuomo had said such a move would be unconstitutional.
Troubleshooting Numbers Cruncher Becomes No. 2
Ravitch, meanwhile, said he took the job to “help the governor” in his “sincere effort” to help the state during this troubled time.
“I want to thank you for the honor,” added Ravitch, calling the appointment “a pleasure.”
“Under no circumstances will I ever be a candidate for public office in 2010 or beyond,” he said, standing should-to-shoulder with the governor.
Ravitch took the oath on Wednesday night. He was not publicly sworn in during the news conference as had been previously expected.
Instead, Ravitch addressed reporters, saying he “has the conviction” to “get this system functioning.”
The Senate has been gridlocked since a June 8 coup by a Republican-dominated coalition over the Democratic conference that thought it won the majority.
The coalition had immediately slammed Paterson’s appointment of the 76-year-old Democrat known for crisis management as a political move to boost his weak poll numbers as he campaigns for election in 2010.
Paterson’s televised speech was promoted through his campaign Wednesday and automated “robo calls” were made Wednesday night by the campaign praising the Democratic governor’s action.
Paterson said he made the appointment to “bring stabiility to our government” and is ready to take any court action.
Paterson defended the decision to swear Ravitch in behind closed doors.
“That’s traditional,” he said.
Paterson called the practice “common” and said former Gov. Eliot Spitzer was sworn-in privately, then later before cameras.
But GOP Senate spokesman John McArdle said a judge in Nassau County had issued a temporary restraining order overnight barring the Ravitch appointment.
He said it suspends Paterson’s initiative to have Ravitch provide a tie-breaking vote and preside over the embattled Senate.
Ravitch will not preside over a Senate session today because of the injunction, Paterson said.
“The action was brought in Nassau County… and the parties know that actions against public officials are brought in Albany,” he said.
Paterson said there would be a court hearing tomorrow.
“They’ve got to come to a power-sharing agreement… This is childish,” he said.