New York - David Paterson was sworn in Monday as New York's first African American governor after the sudden resignation of Elliot Spitzer last week over ties to a prostitution ring. Paterson, who is also the first legally blind governor in the US, told a joint session of the state's legislature that the orderly transition had shown the world that the state's laws applied to all individuals.
"I never expected to have the honour of serving as governor of New York state," he said. "In spite of the obstacles, regardless of the circumstances, we move forward."
Spitzer resigned on Thursday, only 14 months into his term, after federal investigators allegedly caught him soliciting a prostitute from a high-priced call girl service. He could still face criminal charges for soliciting prostitution or for committing a crime across state borders.
The New York Times which broke the story last week said federal authorities had him on a wiretap soliciting a prostitute while staying at the exclusive Mayflower Hotel in Washington last month. He reportedly paid for the woman to travel from New York to the US capital to meet him.
Spitzer had a reputation as a tough prosecutor who tackled corruption on Wall Street and even broke up prostitution rings during an eight-year stint as New York's attorney general.
Paterson had been a long serving member of the New York legislature and for the past 14 months had served as lieutenant governor under Spitzer.
