Earlier today, the state of New York got its 55th governor. David Paterson was sworn in during a special joint session of the legislature in Albany.
So happy to be rid of Spitzer is the Empire State's capital that Paterson received at 2-minute standing ovation when he entered the chamber. He was sworn in and and gave a 12-minute speech addressing the economy which he said was "headed toward crisis" and also spoke of restoring a sense of bipartisan comity in Albany.
He didn't mention Spitzer by name, but the fact that he feels that a spirit of bi-partisanship needs to be restored does seem to indicate that it was lost at some point. If Paterson is skillful, he may be able to channel the bi-partisan excitement about his ascension to the state's top job into reform. T
The crowd was practically raucous during the swearing-in. According to the New York Times, applause and cheering interrupted the process after Paterson began the oath of office. Chief Justice Judith Kaye had to tell the crowd, "Not yet," in order to finish the process.
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