Paterson Sworn In As New York’s Governor

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – David Paterson has become New York’s first black governor.

The Harlem Democrat took the oath of office just after 1 p.m. Monday in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Albany. Lawmakers in attendance cheered and chanted his name as he prepared to give his inaugural address.

Paterson rose from lieutenant governor to the chief executive’s office following Eliot Spitzer’s stunning resignation amid a prostitution scandal. Spitzer’s departure from office became official at noon.