NY Gov names former MTA chair Ravitch as Lt Gov

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Governor David Paterson on Wednesday named Richard Ravitch, the former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as lieutenant governor, in an effort to solve a political impasse in the state Senate.

The Democratic governor, speaking in a televised address, said he hoped any legal challenges would be brought swiftly. The Senate has not been able to enact any legislation since a leadership brawl began on June 8.

Ravitch, who has no plans to seek election, could break the logjam by serving as presiding officer.