How (and when) will New York's Lt. Gov be chosen?

[saltpoint]

Does Paterson nominate someone, is there a special election, is it done by Zodiac sign, or what?

[Muttocracy]

1. Far as I know, we don't get one until the next Gov/Lt.Gov election

Right now the 2nd in line is the head of one of the houses (fortunately now a Dem).

[saltpoint]

2. Hi, JoeIsOneOfUs.

I knew the "temporary" Lt. Gov came from the state legislature, but am kind of shocked that there's no mechanism in place to appoint someone sooner than the next election.

I know the New York State Bar is pressing for such a mechanism, but I have no idea at all where they are in the process.

[Muttocracy]

4. it's nutty - see my post below with quote from state constitution. nt

[saltpoint]

5. Yep. There it is.

Sheesh!

(thanks for that info. much appreciated.)

[Muttocracy]

3. reading the NYS constitution

(I grew up in another state, so all that local and state govmt I learned way back when as a kid is useless)

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/constitution.htm

No election of a lieutenant-governor shall be had in any event except at the time of electing a governor.

...


In case of vacancy in the offices of both governor and lieutenant- governor or if both of them shall be impeached, absent from the state or otherwise unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of governor, the temporary president of the senate shall act as governor until the inability shall cease or until a governor shall be elected.

In case of vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor alone, or if the lieutenant-governor shall be impeached, absent from the state or otherwise unable to discharge the duties of office, the temporary president of the senate shall perform all the duties of lieutenant- governor during such vacancy or inability.

If, when the duty of acting as governor devolves upon the temporary president of the senate, there be a vacancy in such office or the temporary president of the senate shall be absent from the state or otherwise unable to discharge the duties of governor, the speaker of the assembly shall act as governor during such vacancy or inability.