Judge Delays Ruling on Lt. Gov. Appointment

A judge has postponed a decision on whether Gov. David Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch as New York's lieutenant governor is constitutional.

State Supreme Court Justice William LaMarca heard arguments Wednesday from attorneys for the governor, who contend Paterson was within his rights.

Attorneys for two state senators opposed to the appointment also presented their case, contending there is no wording in the state constitution that allows for the appointment of a lieutenant governor.

LaMarca did not indicate when he might rule.

Paterson made the appointment last week as a way to break a leadership deadlock in the Senate. Paterson was elected lieutenant governor in 2006, but ascended to the governor's office in March 2008 after Gov. Eliot Spitzer became enmeshed in a sex scandal.