ALBANY– New York’s top court yesterday narrowly approved Gov. Paterson’s surprising appointment of a lieutenant governor, reversing a lower court’s decision and the long-standing assumption in Albany that only voters could choose a second in command.

The ruling restores the line of succession to the governor’s seat in Albany, where low poll numbers have sapped Paterson’s political clout.

Paterson’s lawyers argued that state law allows the governor to fill vacancies, including the July 8 appointment of Richard Ravitch.

The state Court of Appeals upheld Paterson’s right in a 4-3 decision. The three dissenters had all been appointed by former Republican Gov. George Pataki.

Previous rulings had barred Ravitch from acting as lieutenant governor. In the meantime, he said, he’s been getting up to speed on the state’s budget challenges.

“It’s mixed emotions,” Ravitch said. “I care a lot about the state, and I care about public service, which is why I said yes.”