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.