Next month, New York's top court will take up Governor David Paterson's appeal of a ruling that found his appointment of Richard Ravitch as the state's lieutenant governor unconstitutional.

Just last week, an Appellate Division panel found that no state law or constitutional provision allows the post to be filled any other way than through an election.

Normally it takes seven months for an case to be brought before the court of appeals, however Paterson's counsel asked for a speeded-up timetable.

The court says it will hear oral arguments on September 11.

Paterson appointed Ravitch in an effort to break the month-long deadlock in the State Senate.

State Republicans filed suit to block the move, saying the governor acted recklessly.

The governor's brief is due by August 28 and Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos's brief is due by September 2.