By Craig Giammona
Paterson, the Senate minority leader, is the highest-ranking elected black politician in the state, and his addition to the ticket is expected to strengthen Spitzer's status among minorities. Spitzer's choice of Paterson has also raised questions about who will take over as minority leader, with Sen. Malcolm Smith's (D-St. Albans) name mentioned as a possible candidate.Speaking last Thursday night at the Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club in St. Albans, Paterson said that Spitzer, in an hourlong meeting Jan. 23, assured him he would have the opportunity to expand the role of the lieutenant governor's office, which traditionally holds little power.Specifically, Paterson said he would chair a task force that would require state agencies to produce bi-annual reports detailing efforts to put women and minorities in “positions of power with decision-making capacity.””This isn't reverse racism,” Paterson said. “This is the fulfillment of the American dream.”Still, the effort to wrest control of the Senate from the Republicans is paramount for the Democrats, who have long wallowed in the minority, struggling with an inability to set the legislative agenda.Paterson, 51, was expected to lead this fight in 2006 and suggested that Spitzer's well-financed campaign engine could help raise the profile of Democratic state senate candidates. Spitzer, who is far and away the favorite to be the Democratic nominee and eventually governor, has raised more than $19 million for the campaign, Paterson said.Smith was mum that evening on the idea of becoming Senate minority leader. He has not declared himself a candidate and said only that it was “too early.”Guy R. Brewer Club Executive member Archie Spigner, however, did mention that Smith's name was being considered, drawing laughter from both Paterson and Smith, who were perhaps symbolically seated next to each other.Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 ext. 146.
