State Comptroller seeks to withhold Senators' paychecks in Senate standoff

Story Created: Jul 6, 2009 at 2:34 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 6, 2009 at 4:23 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor David Paterson is considering a new interpretation of the state constitution by good-government
advocates and legal scholars that would allow him to appoint a
lieutenant governor to address the monthlong standoff in the Senate.

But Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says the proposal is unconstitutional and wouldn't provide long-term political stability.

A Republican-dominated coalition says that even if the Democratic governor appoints a lieutenant governor to preside over the Senate, the result would be lawsuits and no real resolution to the conflict.

Also on Monday, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is asking a state judge to confirm he has the power to start withholding senators' pay on Wednesday, when their next checks are due.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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