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What are the next steps in the political process?

By Emily Ngo | STAFF WRITER

If Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigns:

Lt. Gov. David Paterson would take over the remainder of his term, which ends in December 2010, without a special election.

Paterson¹s Lt. Gov. seat would remain vacant, but Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno would take on the position¹s duties in addition to his own.

Bruno would be next in line for the governorship.

If Spitzer stays on

He may face impeachment proceedings from legislators.

He may finish his term without further conflict. "What matters is whether he is strong and effective at his job," said Hunter College political science professor

Kenneth Sherrill. "Nothing is more likely to help him come back from this than to be a good governor."