Mar 12, 2008 6:36 pm US/Eastern
Paterson Inherits A Stunned State In Turmoil
Legally Blind 53-Year-Old Known As Solid Albany Insider
Becomes N.Y.'s First Black Governor; 4th In U.S. History
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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David Paterson is New York's 55th governor and the first black leader of the state.
NY.gov
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New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, right, holds a news conference in New York City with his wife, Silda, by his side on March 10, 2008, after it was announced that he has been involved in a prostitution ring.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Make no mistake, David Paterson is inheriting a wounded government in turmoil, following the shocking resignation of Eliot Spitzer over a high-priced call-girl scandal.
Paterson will now be called on to use all of his abilities to deal with the aftermath, while taking over the reins of the governor's office and guiding the state for at least the duration of Spitzer's term.
If the past is any indication, overcoming adversity and shining is right up Paterson's alley.
The 53-year-old was born legally blind in Brooklyn, but those who know him say he has never used his lack of sight as a crutch. Paterson graduated from Columbia University and Hofstra Law School before working for the Queens District Attorney. He first cut his political teeth in Harlem back in 1985.
"That's not an easy thing to overcome and he had great fortitude in trying to overcome that and succeeding," said Eric Lane, Paterson's law professor.
On 125th Street, in the heart of Paterson's old Senate district, there is a palpable sense of pride that one of their own is now the state's first black governor.
"I think it will be good for black people," resident Harsaan Dallas said. "He will do great things and he'll bring people up there together, too."
"Oh that could be a great thing for the people of Harlem," Phyllis Casmimir said. "Black people are proud of him."
Paterson rose to become the minority leader of the state senate, resigning that post when tapped by Spitzer to become lieutenant governor. He is well liked and has a reputation for bringing people together.
"I think he'll be very effective," former NYC Mayor David Dinkins said. "He has an ability, a knack for getting along with people. Do not mistake that for softness because he is as tough as they come."
Unlike Spitzer, who never mastered Albany's ways, Paterson is the ultimate Albany insider, and that, some say, will work to his advantage.
"He has two decades of legislative experience," political analyst Steve Cohen said. "He has family background in politics. He understands Albany. I think he has the potential to become a first class governor."
Paterson, who becomes the fourth African-American governor in U.S. history, joining P.B.S. Pinchback of Louisiana during Reconstruction, Doug Wilder (D-Va., 1990-1994), and current Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass), is said to be more liberal and he's taken the administration lead on issues like stem cell research, alternative energy, reducing domestic violence and increasing the role of minority- and women-owned businesses in the state.
As a boy, Paterson always dreamed of being a journalist or a politician. He certainly has achieved one of those goals. Now the married father of two will lead the men he once served with, while trying to heal an administration mortally wounded by scandal.
The news of Spitzer's demise sets off one of the largest scandals in modern New York state political history. His political enemy, Republican Joe Bruno, becomes lieutenant governor under Paterson while retaining his majority leader post.
CBS 2 HD's Chris Wragge contributed to this report
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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