A Brooklyn appeals judge issued a stay Wednesday on a court decision blocking Governor David Paterson's appointment of a lieutenant governor.

On Tuesday, a Long Island judge prevented Richard Ravitch from becoming New York's lieutenant governor, saying he couldn't act in the role until the case was decided.

Republicans had argued it was illegal for Paterson to appoint Ravitch as his number two.

The governor's office then appealed that decision.

Late Wednesday evening, a judge signed an "order to show cause," leaving Ravitch as Paterson's lieutenant governor appointee.

In a released statement, a Paterson spokesperson said, "We are pleased that the Appellate Division Second Department today issued a stay of yesterday’s preliminary injunction. We remain confident that the courts ultimately will confirm that Governor Paterson’s appointment of Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch was valid and legally correct.”