In New York, Paterson Prevails

If the New York state Senate battle was an action movie, it could be subtitled "Attack of the Oaths." The last twenty-four hours have yielded the appointment of a new lieutenant governor, a late-night court ruling delaying his swearing-in and the revelation that the proposed LG took the oath last night before the stay was issued.

The covert swearing-in took everyone by surprise; Governor David Paterson had said it wouldn't happen until the morning (and a few questioned whether the state Constitution gives him the power to pick a lieutenant governor in the first place). Paterson anticipated the court challenge and tried to head it off with the secret ceremony.

Not a bad tactic. It's the one the Republican side of the state Senate tried when they started this mess on June 8. The session was winding down, but they had secured two Democratic votes and decided to put the body into a tailspin. Their caucus moved into the chamber stealthily, held a reorganization vote and were sworn-in before the Democrats knew what hit them. Paterson gave them a taste of their own medicine.

As of this moment, Albany is buzzing about a deal being cut. It seems the last Democratic defector, Pedro Espada, will return to the fold. He can save some face now that being Senate President pro-tem no longer puts him next in line to the governor's chair. And he probably realizes that the jig is up. Because even if Espada doesn't come over from the Republican side, it's only a matter of time before the new lieutenant governor (or hell, somebody else) is allowed to break the 31-31 stalemate.

So, just as it began, the New York state Senate debacle of 2009 comes to an end with someone raising their hand and saying a few words. And David Paterson, one of the Empire State's biggest punching bags, has come out on top.

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Comments

[IncredulousGeezer]

I'd say that it was Pedro Espada who came out on top. After participating in the June 8 Republican- led coup, he has now flipped and returned to the Democratic fold, and has been named to be majority leader. With this comes many perks in the way of appointments, funds distribution rights, etc.
Whether Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch as Lt. Gov. will stand judicial scrutiny remains to be seen. This move was not credited as resolving the Senate impasse by most observers.

[NoMoreInsanity]

The sad thing about all of this is the fact that a very wealthy man (Golisano) had a lot to do with this. What a shame; that a guy who has tons of money can affect the entire state for no other reason than the fact that he has LOT'S of money.
He was one of the major figures in this "coup" and people aren't really saying much about it. Granted; the man dished a lot cash out to get people elected, but does this give him carte blanche in the making of policy?

[Balzac]

I figured Paterson was going to come out on top of this. Espada was acting out some silly histrionics. I was slightly amused, but also annoyed at the business getting locked up. I noticed the MTA fare increase and I'm not pleased by this. I want better service if my subway fare is going up.

Now I wonder if Cuomo will make the same mistake of challenging an incumbent who has demonstrated he has good legs and he does not have a glass jaw. Cuomo shouldn't run unless he's trying to claim the space to be Paterson's heir apparent.

I don't think Cuomo would be victorious against Paterson. Also, I agree with Charlie Rangel - President Obama should not be very opinionated about NY politics.

[darker]

Patterson did the correct thing.

The corrupt weasel Pedro Espada ping-poing-ed back to the Dem. side.
NYState WASTED a month on that self-interested jerk's antics.

Espada greedily funnels taxpayer money into his "non-profits" and his presence
in the NYS senate corrupts Albany.
Espade should be outsted from all Albany government.

[Inquisitr]

I am a New Yorker.

I recently called my state senator (Onerrato) and told him any Democrat that agreed to make Espada the majority leader, him included will not get my vote next election.

How dare they have the gall to make this horrible arrogant greedy little man majority leader.

[shel3364]

I LOVE politics.

My friends watch "dancing with the stars", "Jon & Kate", "American Idol" and I think they're missing the best reality show out there.

[StPeteDave]

I think I can respect him for doing this and then saying, damn right I did it opposed to doing it and saying uh uh, wasn't me.

[jcwtts1]

Now that is politics.