CNN

B.Clinton needs to stay away from the Senate. Kennedy will be an honorable replacement. We need more qualified women in the Senate -

I AGREE 100%. BECCA.

Andrew Johnson was another president who went to Capitol Hill after the Presidency. He served as a Senator from Tennessee for a few months after his Presidential term was over.

How about Mike Huckabee? New York seems to love senators from out of state. This would be two in a row from Arkansas!!

Have we ever had an ex president become a senator??? Hmmmm I'm not sure that will be a good idea. Bill should continue his international charity work. He's helping a lotta people through that.

I'm not a huge fan of Bill, but I think he'd do well as a special peace envoy to the Middle East.. And RFK Jr. should be made head of the EPA; it's time we had a hardcore environmentalist in that job.

Maybe Cuomo or Caroline?

I hope the Governor appoints Caroline Kennedy to the upcoming Vacant Senate Seat and NOT her cousin.

Her cousin carries too much baggage with him, in his persuit to free his cousin, Michael Skakel, from prison on a murder conviction of Martha Moxley.

Caroline Kennedy would evoke pleasant memories of the Kennedy family. For RFK jr. to be appointed would bring back the dark underbelly of Camelot.

@John December 1st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

If Bill Clinton becomes a Senator, you can throw the "change" campaign slogan out the window as that is all it will amount to – a failed campign slogan to get votes. It's bad enough the Secretary of State spot has been handed out as a political "thank you" but do we need to keep scratching the Clinton's backs???
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I have to tell ya that I was very skeptical of Obama's message of Change but he's proving to me that he is indead a man of Change!

He promised a different kind of politics; a step away from Washington insiders and yet he's filled his cabinet with Clinton's administration. Whew!! I don't know about you, but I'm sure glad he changed his mind! Go Clintons!! Change things back to the way they were!!

Bill Clinton as a senator? Reid and Pelosi are changing their Depends as we speak...

Dear Mr. Steinhauser

In your story you said that Bill Clinton would be the second president to serve in the Senate after leaving the White House, if the NY governor appoints him.

Actually, he'd be the third president to do so. You mentioned John Q. Adams, but President Andrew Johnson also returned to the US Senate after leaving the White House.

Jim Newman

Billy, Peter King?? You must be kidding right? Isn't he the man who said in 2000 in Florida.... something like...It doesn't matter how many voted, only who counts the votes?

If we have another Kennedy or Clinton near the White House I wont be too happy. The SoS Clinton idea bothers me....She didnt want to meet with Iran and Cuba, how is she supposed to oversee that stuff? I see a SoS Richardson at some point in late 2009 or early 2010

I hope it Caroline Kennedy or Bill Clinton
but my first choice is Caroline Kennedy

Kirsten Gillibrand. She might be just the choice Patterson is seeking.

Where did this stupid story come from Paul, the comment a blogger made over at Think Progress?

Run Interns, Run!!

WHO EVER THE GOV. OF NEW YORK PICKS!!

AND I THINK BILL WANTS TO DO WHAT BILL WANTS TO DO. NO MORE ELECTED POSITIONS FOR PEET SAKES.

How bout me!

I vote for her daughter Chelsea! Yeah...there you go!!!

Stephon Marbury needs a new career.

If Bill Clinton becomes a Senator, you can throw the "change" campaign slogan out the window as that is all it will amount to – a failed campign slogan to get votes. It's bad enough the Secretary of State spot has been handed out as a political "thank you" but do we need to keep scratching the Clinton's backs???

Bill Clinton for Senator of New York

I think any Republican would make things interesting – - -

Becca, CNN didn't take journalism 101. That's why they ran a video today of an Indian boy who lost his entire family to the terrorists over the weekend. The story headline was something to the effect that he didn't even know he lost his family yet. But that didn't stop CNN from sensationalizing the story.

Reporters don't have a written code of ethics that they follow, unlike almost all other professionals. That way, no one can hold them accountable. Just look at the differences between how they treated Obama and everyone else during the elections.

How about Chelsea Clinton

Isn't there some janitorial position Obama could offer Schumer? Then we could be rid of both of them.

This should be interesting.

As a junior senator, Bill would get one of those out-of-the-way senate offices, which would be helpful to keep his late night visitors when Hillary is out saving the world anonomous

Check your facts...the first president to be impeached, Andrew Johnson, was the second former president to serve on the Hill.

Oh please send Bill Clinton Harry Reid's way, they are two peas in a pod.

Caroline Kennedy!

Lets give New York to Canada!

Bill de Blasio please.

Actually, Bill Clinton would be the third former President, not the second, to return to Capitol Hill. Andrew Johnson was elected a Senator from Tennessee in 1875 after leaving the White House in 1869.

It will be Nita Lowey, Congresswoman NY 18th District. She appeared with Chuck Schumer when he spoke to MasterCard employees last week. She represents Westchester Country and was supposedly asked to step aside back when Hillary first ran, for party unitty sake. It will be her turn to step into the spotlight now with all the work she has done in her current role.

I love CNN, but this is a bit presumptuous, isn't it? Who "mentioned" Bill Clinton as a possibly candidate? Does this "mention" mean that he's actually under consideration? Any number of political insiders could "mention" a number of candidates. Does this mean that any of them will actually be on the short list of those who have declared interest in the position?

Besides, why would Bill want to be a Senator? Let's start there.

You are incorrect regarding former presidents going to Congress. Yes, John Quincy Adams served in the House of Representatives after his presidency, but President Andrew Johnson – the only other president impeached – was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee by the Tennessee legislature in 1875.

Mayor Bloomberg. He gets some domestic/international experience before becoming President in 2016.

@becca

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Well put!

I love Bill, but please for the love of pete, let's not put him in the U.S. Senate.

Out of those mentioned I'd say either Andrew Cuomo or Caroline Kennedy.

Bill Clinton would be an amazing senator.

I like Mayor Brown in Buffalo but that's neither here nor there since it's going to be some time before Hillary Rodham Clinton gets confirmed by senate foreign relations committee and guessing she won't resign until after that.

I don't like how much weight is being giving to identity politics though. You'll have a public servant who reflects all your values and concerns. Even if my twin, heck if I myself, were appointed, I still disagree with policy issues.

Peter King!

Peter T. King NY -3

Caroline Kennedy, a big name, a political outsider, a woman. It would make headlines.

Bill Clinton would get my vote.

As a life long New Yorker, if I were Gov. Patterson I would take a page from the Obama book and choose Andrew Cuomo. Everyone here in the state KNOWS he wants to run for Governor when Patterson's term comes to an end. Eliminate one good candidate by appointing him Senator.

Hmmm... an appointee appointing an appointee. Why not democratize things and agree to appoint whoever the voters choose in a state-sponsored special election?

Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20) is both a woman and from upstate. She has been an outstanding Congresswoman and was just re-elected by an overwhelming majority. She would be an excellent replacement for Hillary.

Oh please, can you imagine the scandal that Bill Clinton would bring with him from NY to the already scandal-ridden history of Congress? I think he did enough damage in his day on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. If Paterson has any sense, he won't give Bill the chance.

Perhaps another person who hasn't ever lived there can show up and win?

She had no clue about what NY needs and only ran there because she knew she could win.

Politics for her isn't about the people or the country it's about her.

God no, NO MORE CLINTONS!!!

HOW ABOUT SARAH PALIN THAT WOULD BE GREAT FOR NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!

It will be Caroline Kennedy. Place your bets now.

Bill Clinton in the U.S. Senate? Oh please God, YES!!!

If David Patterson truly has the best interests of the "main street" taxpayers of New York State at heart, Bill Clinton would not even be on the "B" list, let alone the "A" list.

Why on earth would Bill Cinton want to be Senator......come on your stories are getting ridiculous and are just meant to get people to start complaining about the Clintons once again.

It is obvious that CNN has an issue with the Clintons.....I wish you would get back to reporting and stop the witch hunt.

President Clinton was an outstanding President and is now an outstanding World Leader. He is one of the few that has actually done something to help the poor and the outcast.

SHAME ON YOU! for continuing to attack the Clintons. It's time to put your personal vendettas aside and focus on journalism 101.

While I am outside of New York, I keep hearing how Paterson wants to balance the city with upstate. That's why I am speculating it will be either Matt Driscoll or Byron Brown

Kirsten Gillebrand D-NY 20th District

How about Jay-Z. He already is the King of NY.

Mr. Steinhauser is incorrect when he states, "Clinton would become only the second former president to go from the White House to Capitol Hill." If Former President Clinton were to be selected to fill his wife's seat, he wouldn't even be the first former president to serve in the U.S. Senate. Former President Andrew Johnson served again for a few months in the Senate in 1875. What's even more interesting, is that were Governor Paterson to choose Bill Clinton, the only two presidents impeached in our country's history would both have subsequently served in the body that tried and acquited them.

How about Al Sharpton? He'd shake things up....or perhaps George Steinbrenner- he's someone we could all hate.

Difficult for her. Right. She's now fourth in line!!!

NO CUMMOS OR CLINTONS WOULD BE NICE. SINCE WE ARE NOT FROM NEW YORK BETTER LET THIS ONE ALONE. WE JUST LEAVE IT WITH WORDS OF THINKING OUT LOUD. -"YOUNG AND FOR THE PEOPLE".

SOO!!!!!!!

Get Chelsea in the senate seat. She is showing political maturity. Get new young ideas to Senate floor.

Actually, Bill Clinton would be the 3rd ex-President to serve in the Congress. John Quincy Adams returned to the House, as you mentioned, and Andrew Johnson served briefly in the Senate.

I like the sound of a Kennedy taking office.

Wow, the possibility of Bill as her replacement is even scarier than having her as Secretary of State, and both are mindboggling and scary!!! Let's hope that the Governor of NY will not be that stupid.....

Ye-ah.... Bill Clinton as senator?.... Not gonna happen.

You know, I really don't think it is fair that Hillary Clinton gets a another important job. She has already ran the county for 8 years while her husband was president and though most of you won't agree, that is the only reason we have been in such a mess for the last 16 years. Well, I can't give them all the credit, for the last 100 years our government has been going down hill little by little. This won't be any better.

Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand!

i not an nobama supporter but i think it should be one of the kennedy's to replace her, like the kennedy's.

I am confident that her replacement will be as experienced as she. Please stop trippin' over trivia; like FP Clinton not being at the meeting with Hillary! So what? You people should really get a life! You're miserable! Stop trying to bring others down with you!

Long as she's replaced with a democrat, and Rudy Guiliani isn't mentioned.

Psst! It's Robert Kennedy Jr.

Malia Obama! Just kidding.
She'd probably get peanut butter over all the appropriations bills.

i cant believe i have to see this womans face for four years now

Don't know much about the congressmen on the list but Cuomo would be a good pick. He has served well in several posts.
I would like to see RFK, Jr. be placed in charge of the EPA. God knows, we need someone who cares about the environment in that post.

Actually, another president went from "the White House to Capitol Hill"' and, how ironic, it was Andrew Johnson, the only other president to be impeached. He served as Senator from Tennessee from 1974 to his death in 1875.

not bill, please.

This story is factually incorrect. The only other impeached president, Andrew Johnson, served as senator after being President. However, it was only for several months because he died in July of the same year. He is currently the only former president to serve in the United States Senate.

I HOPE PATERSON WILL PICK BILL CLINTON OR ONE OF THE KENNEDYS'.

How about Monica Lewinsky?

RFK!!!

Leaving the senate is "difficult?" Somehow that doesn't ring true from the person who just got defeated trying to leave the Senate for a better job!

Bill Clinton would have the republicans jumping off of bridges. It would be delightful.

I believe there is an error in the article about Governor Patterson replacing Hilary Clinton in the Senate with possibly her husband. I believe Andrew Johnson returned to the Senate from the state of Tennessee after being President. Wouldn't this be ironic if Bill Clinton did take his wife's place in the Senate? The only two presidents to serve in the Senate after being President were both impeached.

I hear Rudy Giuliani has registered as a Democrat and is offering his "services" to the state.

"I'm a glory hound, you know!!!" – Giuliani

Bill's Back! Please make it Bill–we need some excitement.

CAROLINE KENNEDY yes she would be the right choice just because is has no baggage to bring along with her..She may not be a politician but I have strong thoughts about her working for the PEOPLE of New York..And her Uncle may not last too long and should could carry on his legacy....I now live in Florida and hope she gets the job....GO CAROLINE!!!!!!!!!!

I think Bill would make a great senator; who knows more about domestic and international issues than him? But he won't take it and it won't be offered. This isn't the 1800's where you could transition from the White House to the Congress. The power of the presidency has increased so substantially since then that I can't see any president "downgrading" to the House or Senate.

It isn't that unusual for a spouse to be selected to finish a term, although, admittedly, it usually is a wife selected to finish out a term of a deceased husband. I do find this disturbing, however. I think another member of the Democratic party of New York would be a better choice... Bill will have his hands full, as it is.

How about Bill??

Way to go GIRL, Finally !!! Now show them naysayers what your made of and I still want to say that any woman who will not vote for another , stands in the way of her daughters and grand daughters. In the race between Obama and Hillary there was very little difference between their policies and women did not stick together as we should have, it's a shame to me when we and women before us worked so very hard for our right to vote and to gain respect that we deserve in the world. When you want something done and done right and done now , my theory ask a WOMAN.

I can't see Bill wanting the post myself.

hmmmmm... interesting.... my vote goes to Caroline Kennedy, for what it is worth! I have a good feeling about her.... if not her... why not consider Maria Shriver.... oh, I forgot.... she's in California.... *LOL*

Who really cares !

I think it has to be someone from upstate. Upstaters will not stand for a continued drought of upstate representation. If Gov. Paterson picks a downstater, it will be an obvious snub when the Gov and both US Senators are up for re-election in 2010 and all the candidates are from downstate. The last governor form upstate was Gov. Cleveland who left office in 1922. The last US Senator from upstate left office in 1971. Incidentally, the last US Senator from upstate was also appointed by the Governor.

cant believe this,
why in teh world bring back old baggages..................

pathetic..
that is all i have to say,
this is not CHANGE< this is same old same,

i want my money back.................

NO, DON'T PUT BILL CLINTON IN HIS WIFE'S NY SENATE SEAT!!!!!
Too much of the Clinton's already, and I was a big fan of his once.

I didn’t vote for President Bush in either of his election bids nor did I support the Iraq War but I am amazed at the venom of the comments posted here. I remember the “support the war” hysteria in this country and I suspect that many of these characters kicking the President to the curb today wanted to have a beer with the “guy’s guy” in 2000 and swept away in the hysteria of 2003 but feel somehow they will be exonerated by this kind of behavior...

Bill would make an EXCELLENT senator.

Let me guess, is everyone talking about the former Arkansas Governor turned President now New York Resident now perhaps soon to be Senator Bill Clinton? Can we get Roger Clinton?

I have a suggestion...

Michele Obama can move into a townhouse in Manhattan and run for Senator .... why not ... stranger things have happened.

Bill Clinton as a senator? You are kidding me? He was the president for God's sake. Why on Earth would he accept a low profile position compared to where he's been?

Ask WOLF BLITZER – He is always trying to forecast the news instead of reporting it.

Send Caroline Kennedy to the US Senate. NO to Bill Clinton. He has been a president for two-terms - move over and give others an opportunity to succeed. WE NEED SOME CHANGE IN WASHINGTON!

Gulliana. Who else!!!

who do you think it will be?