On July 8, 2009, Governor David Paterson sought to bring an end to the current 31-31 stalemate in the State Senate by appointing a lieutenant governor.  Paterson chose former Metro Transit Authority Chairman Richard Ravitch.

Constitutionally the lieutenant governor would have the authority to break a tie in the Senate.  The question for the courts now to decide is whether or not, the governor has the constitutional authority to appoint a lieutenant governor, or if the post must remain vacant until the next gubernatorial election in 2010.

Moments after the Governor's announcement Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos offered this response.