Albany(New York): New York's first black governor, David Paterson, was sworn into office today, less than a week after his predecessor Eliot Spitzer resigned in disgrace over a prostitution scandal.

Paterson, who served as Spitzer s deputy in the role of lieutenant governor, was sworn in at a ceremony in the state capital Albany attended by Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Flanked by his wife and family, a joking and smiling Paterson wished assembly members a happy Saint Patrick s Day after taking the oath of office and being sworn in as the state s 55th governor.

He follows in the footsteps of such eminent figures as presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D Roosevelt and becomes the first blind governor to hold the office in New York state.

After telling jokes about his wedding and a water-pistol incident with former governor Mario Cuomo, Paterson said there was important work to be done.

"Today, like we always do, in spite of the obstacles, regardless of the circumstances, we move forward," he told the assembly.

"Look folks, this has been a very difficult week. But there have been turbulent weeks in New York s past and there will be anxious weeks in our near future, but we move forward.

"There s work to be done ... There s trust that needs to be restored, there are issues that need to be addressed."

Described as open, forthright, and accommodating, in contrast to Spitzer s more combative style, Paterson will serve out the rest of his predecessor s term, which expires at the end of 2010.

Source : PTI