Paterson Takes Oath as N.Y. Governor

March 17, 2008

Listen to the Story

text sizeA A A

March 17, 2008

David Paterson is sworn in as New York's 55th governor, following Eliot Spitzer's resignation over a prostitution scandal. Paterson said he is concerned that the state economy could be headed for a crisis.

MELISSA BLOCK, host:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.

MICHELE NORRIS, host:

And I'm Michele Norris.

Today, the state of New York looked to put a sordid week behind it. About an hour after Governor Eliot Spitzer officially resigned over revelations that he had hired prostitutes, a new chief executive was sworn in.

Unidentified Man: It is my great privilege to present the governor of the state of New York, David A. Paterson.

(Soundbite of applause)

BLOCK: David Paterson, a Democrat who was lieutenant governor, took the oath at the state assembly building in Albany.

(Soundbite of cheering)

NORRIS: After the cheering, Paterson launched into a speech that was part roast and part policy. He nodded to many of his peers, including one of the assembly's biggest Republican powerbrokers, a sworn enemy of the former governor, the majority leader, Joseph Bruno.

Governor DAVID PATERSON (Democrat, New York): The other day we had lunch, and he said, listen some evening, if you feel like it, you should come out to the ranch and have dinner with me. I'll go. But I'm going to take my taster with me.

(Soundbite of laughter)

BLOCK: Senator Bruno beamed. Paterson soon turned more serious.

Gov. PATERSON: Let us grab the unusual opportunities that circumstance has handed us today and put personal politics, party advantage and power struggles aside in favor of service, in the interest of the people.

(Soundbite of applause)

BLOCK: Paterson, who is legally blind, is the first African-American governor of New York.

Gov. PATERSON: I have confronted the prejudice of race and challenged the issues of my own disability. I have served in government for over two decades. I stand willing and able to lead the state to a brighter future and a better tomorrow. Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson and I am the governor of New York State.

(Soundbite of applause)

BLOCK: The New York governor will serve out the remainder of Eliot Spitzer's term. The next election is in 2010.

Copyright © 2008 National Public Radio®. All rights reserved. No quotes from the materials contained herein may be used in any media without attribution to National Public Radio. This transcript is provided for personal, noncommercial use only, pursuant to our Terms of Use. Any other use requires NPR's prior permission. Visit our permissions page for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by a contractor for NPR, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio.