Paterson's move to pick Lt. Gov.

So, the Republicans are already promising to put up a legal fight over the move by Gov. Paterson to name Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor. That's too bad, only because it means this will just be another drawn out fight.

Paterson had some very good points to make as he announced this decision:

1) Without a lieutenant governor, we would not know who was in charge if something happened to Paterson.

2) The crisis in government is worsening an already dire economic situation.

3) He makes the astute argument that even though the constitution doesn't say he can do something doesn't mean he can't legally do it.

Paterson seeks to end this crisis through an action that he hopes will establish a precedent. Sometimes it is through actions taken in a political crisis that we are given the chance to define how government is supposed to work. See Marbury vs. Madison, where the concept of judicial review was established.

The idea that there should be a way to replace a lieutenant governor is entirely reasonable. However, Paterson seems to be trying to achieve this through direct appointment without seeking any review or support of the legislature. This is why, in my earlier blog, I suggested that a lieutenant governor be picked through some bipartisan means, such as a commission. My hope was that a replacement could be found that all sides could be comfortable with and avert another crisis.

However, within hours of his announcement, Paterson had Ravitch sworn into office and will attempt to preside over the state Senate this afternoon. However, the Republicans have already swung into action, taking legal steps to try to block the appointment.

Again, this is just more needless bickering that would be resolved if the constitution was clarified with an amendment.

At the federal level, when the vice presidency is vacant, the president can nominate a replacement, who then must be confirmed by both houses of Congress. This system allows for both sides to review, question, make comment and vote on such an appointment before a nominee takes office. New York doesn't have this system, and it really needs it to avoid such a crisis.