Senate Mess: Paterson to Name Lt. Gov.?

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.

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.