ALBANY - A judge on Tuesday blocked Gov. Paterson's attempt to appoint former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch lieutenant governor.

State Supreme Court Justice William LaMarca issued a temporary injunction blocking Ravitch from performing the duties of the office.

"The plaintiffs have established a likelihood of success on the merits for their claim that neither the constitution nor legislative enactment authorized the governor to make the appointment," said LaMarca, sitting in Nassau County.

He also ruled Senate President Malcolm Smith can take over as acting governor should something happen to Paterson.

The judge said there would be "irreparable harm" to state government should Ravitch's appointment later be nixed.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/07/21/2009-07-21_judge_blocks_ravitch_from_becoming_patersons_no_2.html#ixzz0LzR974KS

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