Political Insider

Two days ago, few New Yorkers even knew who their lieutenant governor was. On Monday -- due to Gov. Elliot Spitzer's sudden resignation in response to a sex scandal -- David Paterson (D) will be sworn in as New York's 55th governor. He has just five days to make the transition.

Other than a New York Times piece that says Paterson has a "history of defying expectations," there are few clues as to how he'll govern. In fact, due to his current mostly ceremonial role, he's probably given it little thought himself. So, with such little time, Patterson should pick up the phone and immediately call two politicians in neighboring states.

The first call should go to Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R), who served as lieutenant governor when Gov. John Rowland decided to step down in 2004 prior to an indictment on corruption charges. Rell had just 10 days to make the transition. Knowingly, she told Governing that Paterson "must be shaking in his boots." She's since become an extremely popular political figure in her state and was overwhelmingly elected in 2006 to a full term. 

The second call should be to New Jersey Senate President Dick Codey (D), who served as New Jersey's governor after the sudden resignation of Gov. James McGreevey (D) in 2004. Despite having no advance warning that he would be pushed into the top job, Codey also proved to be a very popular governor.