Will the next New York governor help Latinos?

Earlier today New York governor Eliot Spitzer resigned from his post due to his involvement in an illegal prostitution ring. Spitzer’s replacement will be Lt. Gov. David Paterson, a visually impaired African-American who is experienced and well-respected by his peers.

What can the state’s Latino population expect from Paterson whose term is set to begin on Monday? According to LoHud.com’s blog on immigration, Paterson “has certainly spoken up for immigrants’ rights” during his time as lieutenant governor. Nevertheless, he will have to tread lightly on the issue of immigration; Spitzer’s plan for providing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants was dropped last year amidst controversy.

Meanwhile, an article in one of New York City’s main Spanish-language dailies- El Diario/La Prensa- said experts feel that Paterson will do more for the Latino community than Spitzer:

Under Paterson’s mandate, the number of Hispanics in high office could increase…according to experts.

“Well, at first nothing will change. If (Paterson) names new people then I have no doubt that he will take Latinos into account,” opined Rodolfo de la Garza, political science professor at Columbia University.

Though Hispanics currently represent 16% of the state’s population only 4% of them work for the state government. -[ed. personal translation]

Paterson will become the first African-American governor in New York history and the state’s first physically disabled one since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Sources (English)- Christian Science Monitor, AFP, Huffington Post, LoHud.com, Gothamist

Sources (Spanish)- El Diario/La Prensa

Image- TIME