ALBANY — Mario Cuomo’s picture could wind up on the side of state Capitol-area milk cartons following his conspicuous absence from Governor Paterson’s party-like swearing-in ceremony that could mark the end of Andrew Cuomo’s gubernatorial ambitions.

There were plenty of governors alongside Senators Schumer and Clinton in the same heavily-guarded V.I.P. section where Mayor Bloomberg was sitting, representing three states neighboring New York — Jon Corzine of New Jersey, Jodi Rell of Connecticut and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. Former New York Governors Pataki and Carey were here as well.

Perhaps Mr. Cuomo skipped the swearing-in because he doesn’t think Mr. Paterson will be more than “a more-than-good governor.”

Mr. Cuomo was quoted last week with that tepid assessment of Mr. Paterson’s qualifications. He went on to add these not-so-encouraging words about the state’s new leader: “I think in his heart of hearts he’d rather be a legislator. It’s easier to intellectualize, to deal with problems as a senator, because you don’t have to solve them.”

The real problem for the Cuomos is that Mr. Paterson’s problem solving skills will now be exercised just down the hall from the younger Mr. Cuomo’s attorney general office. Mr. Cuomo’s first year as the state’s top law enforcer has been remarkable, and his latest investigation into health insurance reimbursements will likely achieve benefits for all New Yorkers and perhaps all Americans. But even lofty achievements of that enviable stature won’t change the new political calculus reshaping the state’s Democratic establishment at a pace matching the speed with which Mr. Spitzer deteriorated from a reformer into a caricature.

Now that a penchant for prostitutes has pushed Mr. Spitzer out of his job, Andrew Cuomo finds himself in line behind Mr. Paterson — who holds the unofficial but historic title, “New York’s first black governor.” Andrew Cuomo nearly destroyed his political career in 2002 by challenging Carl McCall’s efforts to win that title. Mr. Cuomo would have to be bold indeed to try running a primary against New York’s first black governor trying to make history by becoming New York’s first elected black governor.

So in a Capitol thrilled to be through with Mr. Spitzer’s aggressive and belittling approach to his colleagues in government, this explains why the Cuomos aren’t exactly as thrilled about the week’s turn of events. Both Cuomos are known for their own brand of testiness and recrimination. Only an Eliot Spitzer could make their sharp elbows feel comfortable. Now that the supremely comforting Mr. Paterson is installed as governor, Mr. Cuomo could wind up back in the spotlight in ways he’d rather be left in the dark.

The Albany press corps thrives on public feuds between public officials. Look for Mr. Cuomo to wind up as the first protagonist in the next inevitable story of tension here among elected officials. Mr. Spitzer offered a steady diet of drama, culminating in tragedy. Yet he already seems forgotten here. And what’s not forgotten is not missed.

Mr. Paterson didn’t even mention the name of his disgraced predecessor during an impressive inaugural speech that the legally blind governor committed to memory. Even a line appropriated from “The American President” was delivered with a fresh air of sincerity and levity as Mr. Paterson bellowed, “I am David Paterson and I am the governor of New York State.”

The chamber exploded in applause — not just because Mr. Paterson is now governor but also because that fact means Mr. Spitzer is not. Mr. Paterson is moving quickly to seize the reins of power, planning new staff changes and warning his Harlem confidants not to act like they already have their own sets of keys to the governor’s mansion just down the road.

The state budget is due in less than two weeks and Mr. Paterson is already reworking Mr. Spitzer’s irresponsible spending plan. He called on politicians and business leaders to offer him their thoughts on how the budget should be amended. The “business leaders” don’t usually have such an open invitation, but given the turmoil on Wall Street and Wall Street’s tumultuous impact on state revenues, Mr. Paterson was wise to acknowledge their necessary role in the negotiations.

Those negotiations will probably bring Mr. Paterson to the home of Mr. Spitzer’s chief enemy, the state Senate majority leader, Joseph Bruno. In a lighthearted nod to the veil of tension that is only now lifting here, Mr. Paterson assured his supporters he’ll bring a guest to the Republican’s nearby ranch: A food taster.

goldincolumn@gmail.com