Paterson Expresses Confidence in Skelos as GOP Leader

New York, NY —

After giving the commencement speech for Harlem's Frederick Douglass Academy graduates, Governor David Paterson expressed his full confidence in the newly-selected Republican State Senate Majority Leader, Dean Skelos.

REPORTER: Paterson says they've had a good working relationship in the past. The governor dismissed reporters' questions that Senator Skelos, of Long Island, may not be a boost for the city.

PATERSON: I worked with Senator Skelos for eight years - we were floor leaders. He was a Republican I was a Democrat. Believe me, he'll be good for the city. He'll be good for the state. He'll be good for any Endeavour he involved himself...

REPORTER: The 60-year-old Skelos is replacing departing Majority Leader Joe Bruno, who announced he would not seek re-election on Monday.

The Senator is known for his aggressive style and a major advocate of capping what he has described escalating property taxes.