Paterson names Richard Ravitch NY Lt. Gov.

New York's problems in its state senate have made California's woes seem almost (almost!) small in comparison. The month-long Senate stalemate began when a GOP-led group seized power from the Democrats on June 8, but in doing so led to an effective and helpless tie. Richard Ravitch to the rescue (maybe)!

Gov. David Paterson named Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor on Wednesday. This move would effectively end the stalemate.

David Paterson said, in regards to Richard Ravitch's appointment, that "I have consulted with some of the foremost legal minds in New York and ... (they say) the state constitution gives me the explicit power to fill vacancies."

At the same time, however, earlier in the day, prior to Richard Ravitch's naming, NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said:

“My office has taken a position on the law. We don’t believe the Constitution provides for the governor filling the position of lieutenant governor. My office believes the way the way they read the Constitution, the governor does not have that power to fill the office of lieutenant governor.”

However, things can't keep going the way they have. Without an Lt. Gov. to break the ties, things have come to a halt in NY state. At least Richard Ravitch would fix that.