Word of the discussion came after unusually chaotic 24 hours in Albany. Gov. David A. Paterson named Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor on Wednesday, but early Thursday, Senate Republicans received a temporary restraining order that sought to prevent Mr. Ravitch from taking office.

The Republicans got the restraining order from a judge in Nassau County. Paterson administration officials, however, had already rushed to swear in Mr. Ravitch about 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn. Thursday morning, in introducing Mr. Ravitch, 76, a Democratic lawyer with a career in government dating back a half-century, Mr. Paterson said his choice would not take action until the court issue is resolved, although he said he believed the appointment was legal.