Posted by Gov. 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.
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.
Meanwhile, senators who’ve been at odds since June 8 are scheduled to have their first paycheck withheld Wednesday.
In court filings Monday, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is asking a state judge to confirm the comptroller has the power to hold up lawmakers’ pay and determine who in the Senate has the power to authorize paychecks.
Source: AP
