An interesting wrinkle: his recent vote for the controversial Cap-and-trade bill reinforced his very solid environmental credibility but also reminded some more conservative base-types how much they dislike that plank of Kirk's platform. A GOP candidate whose positions indicate he is willing to trade die-hard right wing votes for some ground in the center–combined with the corruption critic and active Naval reservist's personal charisma and approval–should make IL-SEN a fascinating race for any political junkie, regardless of one's personal preference in the race.

Section 6 says: “In case of vacancy in the offices of both governor and lieutenant- governor, a governor and lieutenant-governor shall be elected for the remainder of the term at the next general election happening not less than three months after both offices shall have become vacant. No election of a lieutenant-governor shall be had in any event except at the time of electing a governor.”
snip
“In case of vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor alone, or if the lieutenant-governor shall be impeached, absent from the state or otherwise unable to discharge the duties of office, the temporary president of the senate shall perform all the duties of lieutenant- governor during such vacancy or inability.”

So it's pretty clear – the temporary president of the senate should be acting lieutenant governor. There is nothing that gives the Govenor power to appoint anyone in the line of succession.

I understand Paterson's frustration. But this is going no where.