Eliot Spitzer was chosen to be the Democratic candidate for governor during the party's state convention.

Spitzer, 46, received the nod Tuesday in Buffalo. In his acceptance speech, he talked about his grandparents who immigrated to this country and rose from poverty to wealth. The two-term attorney general is hoping to become the first new governor in New York in 12 years.

Party delegates also designated state Senate Minority Leader David Paterson of New York City, Spitzer's running mate, for lieutenant governor.