David Paterson to Become First African American Gov in NY History, First Blind Gov in U.S. History

Spitzer became the first New York governor to be forced out in almost a century. Federal prosecutors have yet to file any charges against Spitzer but according to press accounts Spitzer is negotiating a plea bargain. Many questions still remain over whether the investigation of Spitzer was politically motivated.

On Monday, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will be sworn in as Spitzer’s replacement. Paterson will become New York’s first African-American governor and the first blind chief executive in the nation’s history.

For Paterson the rise to governorship caps a ground-breaking career. He was born in Brooklyn to a prominent political family. As a baby he lost most of his sight due to an infection. His family moved to Hempstead, New York because New York City school officials refused to allow Paterson to attend regular classes. In 1984 he was elected to the State Senate representing Harlem. Paterson became minority leader in 2002 and then was elected lieutenant governor last year.

For more on the new Governor of New York we are joined by Herb Boyd, he is a Harlem-based activist, author, and journalist. He edits the online publication The Black World Today and writes for several publications including Amsterdam News. Carl Augusto is the president of the American Foundation for the Blind. David Paterson served on the foundation’s board from 1997 to 2006. They both join us in the firehouse studio. Joining us on the telephone from Albany is New York State Senator Liz Krueger. She worked closely with David Paterson during his time in the New York Senate.

Herb Boyd, Harlem-based activist, teacher, author, and journalist. He edits the online publication The Black World Today and writes for several publications including Amsterdam News.

Liz Krueger, New York State Senator representing parts of Manhattan.

Carl Augusto, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind. David Paterson served on the foundation’s board from 1997 to 2006.

Related Links

• American Foundation for the Blind

Related Democracy Now! Stories

• Spitzer Resigns Over Prostitution Scandal (3/12/2008)
• As Spitzer Prostitution Scandal Dominates Headlines, a Look at the Plight of Sex Workers (3/12/2008)