Restraining Order Issued Against Dissident Democratic Senator

Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d write:

An appeals judge issued a temporary restraining order today blocking Pedro Espada, Jr from succeeding New York Governor David Paterson.

Espada, of course, is one of the two Democratic state Senators who voted with Republicans Monday to put the GOP back in control of the New York Senate. Espada was named Senate President Pro Tempore, and–because there’s no Lieutenant Governor–Espada would take the state’s top spot if Paterson was deemed unable to execute the duties of his office. (Or even if he slipped over the border, say to the Jersey Shore or Ottawa’s Byward Market.)

The Associated Press reports that the restraining order won’t keep the new ruling “coalition” from… well, actually ruling the Senate.

It should, however, allow Governor Paterson to leave the state without having to worry about Espada “succeeding” him. (Maybe getting a key to the gov’s office, changing the drapes or possibly putting in a new rug?)

It seems incredible that a restraining order is now being used to determine governance in New York State.

What’s next? A breathalyzer? GPS tracking anklet?