Tools

Judge blocks appointment of lieutenant governor

By By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press Writer

Story Created: Jul 22, 2009 at 7:43 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 22, 2009 at 7:43 AM EST

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) - A judge has issued a restraining order
blocking Richard Ravitch from serving as New York Governor David
Paterson's lieutenant governor.

State Supreme Court Justice William LaMarca in Nassau County
issued his ruling late Tuesday afternoon.

Paterson appointed Ravitch, a former head of the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority, earlier this month as a way of breaking a
monthlong leadership deadlock in the state Senate.

Attorneys for the state Senate argued that the state constitution does not allow for the appointment of a lieutenant governor when a vacancy occurs. The governor's attorney says a state law allows him to fill some vacant posts until the next election.

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

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