WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Paterson eyes new proposal in NY Senate standoff
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Associated Press - July 6, 2009 2:15 PM ET
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - 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.
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