ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The incoming governor of New York says Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell is one of his significant defining influences.

Like Rell, New York Lt. Gov. David Paterson takes office following the resignation of a scandal-plagued governor.

For Paterson, it's outgoing Gov. Eliot Spitzer; for Rell, it was Gov. John Rowland, who resigned in 2004 amid a federal corruption probe.

Paterson says Rell and former New York Gov. George Pataki are defining influences, and noted Rell's stated desire for bipartisan cooperation resonates with him.

For her part, Rell has sent a tongue-in-cheek ``care package'' to Paterson.

It includes a Magic Eight Ball to help with decisions, a supply of Pepto-Bismol and Excedrin and a pass to Connecticut's state parks and forests.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)