New NY Governor Set To Take Reins

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Lieutenant Governor David Paterson is planning to strike a tone of confidence and optimism when he takes over as governor Monday.

Paterson will be sworn in and address the state legislature about an hour after Eliot Spitzer formally resigns. Spitzer is stepping down amid allegations he spent tens of thousands of dollars on high-priced prostitutes.

An aide says Paterson will acknowledge that it’s been a tough week for the state but will urge Republicans and his fellow Democrats to work together to tackle the state budget and other pressing issues

Paterson becomes New York’s first black governor and the country’s first legally blind chief executive to serve more than a few days.

On Friday, Paterson called his position a “daunting” one, but added that the state has “a job to do.”