ALBANY - Gov. David Paterson says he's "outraged" there are no women on the short list to become New York's next chief judge and he asked Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to investigate legal alternatives to the choices offered by the Commission on Judicial Nomination.

Paterson says the selection process "has to be called into question" when the commission was unable to identify even one qualified woman. While noting the recommended candidates are highly qualified and the state Constitution says the governor "shall choose" from the list, he says he won't disobey constitutional rules but will consider his options.

Cuomo says there is "something wrong" with the process.

By law, Paterson has until Jan. 15 to nominate. Chief Judge Judith Kaye is retiring Dec. 31.