Patrick calls incoming N.Y. Gov. David Paterson

BOSTON—Gov. Deval Patrick is reaching out to New York Lt. Gov. David Paterson in the wake of the call-girl scandal that brought down New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Paterson is set to replace Spitzer in the New York governor's office on Monday.

Patrick says he called Paterson on Wednesday to tell him he had a friend in Massachusetts and that he would do everything he could to help the two states work together in the future.

Paterson will become the only other sitting black governor in the country after Patrick when he takes office.

Patrick says Paterson never imagined that he would ascend to the top office in this manner, but added the people of New York and the region are ready to move forward.