Clinton's seat to be filled next week
(CNN) - New York Gov. David Paterson said Friday he is prepared to announce who will replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate immediately after the presidential inauguration.
In an interview on New York radio station WFAN, Paterson said he had planned on making the announcement this weekend, but later decided the timing would be better next week.
"We now know that Sen. Clinton is going to be the secretary of state. She sailed through her committee hearing," Paterson said "I would probably have done it this weekend, but I decided I didn't want to trample on Sen. Clinton's ability to come back and say farewell to her constituents, or the inauguration."
"Right after the inauguration, I expect to be getting to that," he added.
Paterson, who alone has the power to appoint someone to replace Clinton for two years, also dismissed recent polls showing more New Yorkers want state Attorney Gen. Andrew Cuomo for the post rather than Caroline Kenedy.
"The polls go up and down, it was somebody else a few weeks ago," he said. "I think that's more name recognition. There are some great candidates who have distinguished themselves who are not as well known."
Two recent polls both showed Kennedy has lost significant support among New Yorkers since she first expressed interest in the job.
But ultimately, Paterson said, his job is not to pick the candidate who’s most popular at the moment.
"It's the person who is going to be popular in 2010, when they run for re-election," the New York governor said.
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Caroline Kennedy-S. is still the best choice. Any other selection would show that political propaganda and pressure worked.
She would have a better chance at re-election than Cuomo.
Andrew Cuomo, has a popular last name also, is conveniently bathing in the accomplishments of his father, and is the ex-husband of a Kennedy; so there is a personal bias against any Kennedy.
This has really turned into a bit of a mess. The other day on the subway riding uptown in Manhattan, I heard a woman say, "Maybe Paterson will do the right thing and appoint himself."
Egads. Hopefully not. Here's one vote for Kirsten Gillibrand or Carolyn Maloney.
Yes, it's all about POPULARITY, not QUALIFICATIONS. What?? Patterson should be ashamed of himself for saying that.
Sarah Palin should move to NYC in 2010. She has more experience than Caroline (I've done nothing) Kennedy.
Well, doesn't that say it all. It is not the person that can do the job the best but the person that can get elected in 2010. As long as people like this are in power this country is going down the drain. They think of themselves and party first and country second (if that high).
caroline kennedy would be a great SENATOR------–
I think it should be Caroline Kennedy. She would bring new and fresh ideas to the Senate and that is exactly what our country needs. I'm sick of all the old Washington hounds playing politics at our expense. Go Caroline!!!!!
I am leaning toward Cuomo as the heir-apparent to Clinton's open senate seat. He has the polls going in his favor while Kennedy's numbers have been falling.
Paterson to New York: Drop Dead
Pay-for-play, Kennedy style. No one pretends CK is the best choice for the people of New York – they don't like her and do not want her representing them. It is all about who can bring in the most cash for Paterson's re-election campaign.
Why not pick Schlossberg, the left voted for a senator with NO EXPERIENCE for president so why not another person with no experience to fill a senate seat. This comedy show just keeps getting better and better!!!
Just like Democrats to cause trouble for America by wanting to fill positions with the crooks (Geithner, Rangel,Blago), inexperienced (Obama, Schlossberg) and mindless (Reid, Pelosi, Franks, Dodd) people.
Really do care about our country huh,,,, more partisan politics from the left!
Good decision by Paterson--–it sounds like it is not going to be Carlone or Cumo--–looks like someone else will overshadow the two top forerunners.
Hang in there Caroline! I predict she will get the position in the end.
I love and respect Caroline. I feel that she is one of us: a mom, shy, does not know how to play politics but has good judgment.
In this ring, we have stumble-bumbing democrats trying to govern with a strait face. In that ring, we have down-trodden republicans looking more confused than ever. And in the center ring, we have the MSM trying to pretend like they understand what's going on.
Mike–
That is a pathetic reach to inject your disdain for repubs into the discussion. No one benefits from Dems' squabbling, back room deals, and blatant disregard for the will of the people–no matter what party they belong to. Why don't you focus your efforts on cleaning up the mess/circus on your side of the aisle and not blaming the GOP for how your party can't handle itself.
HOPEFULLY GOV PATTERSON WILL BASE HIS PICK ON QUALIFICATION ONLY. HAD THIS COUNTRY DID THIS 2000/2004 MAYBE WE WOULD NOT BE SCREWED LIKE WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!
IS CAROLINE THE MOST QUALIFIED TO LOOK OUT FOR WHAT IS BEST FOR NEW YORKERS GOV PATTERSON?
Just pick the one that can help you the most...Kennedy!!!!....
Face it, politics is not about being honest or fair, its all about POWER!!
And the Kennedy's still have plenty it seems....
Governor Patterson,
Just do what is best for your state, not for future politcal favors, or future elections. If you believe Kennedy is the best candidate for the job, select her. If not, select the one who is! Somebody has to have enough backbone to do what is right , even if it is not popular (Thanks Presidenyt Bush)! Serve your state and her people with honesty and integrity! We all have our opinions but when boiled down it is a New York issue!
Caroline Kennedy? Well uh, you know, what makes her so special and experinced? you know. You people made fun of Palin you know but Caroline Kennedy is as smart as a bag of rocks you know
It should't be Kennedy or Cuomo. Neither are remotely qualified for the job. Is it not ironic that the same people who support these two inexperienced choices are probably the same that bashed the Palin pick (I'm not advocating her, because I too thought it was a terribel pick)? How funny it is how people forget.
NY senator is important Governor should pick someone who has experience, kennedy needs to work at public service, so show us her ability first. No free ride, she should ask obama job.
as long as he is taking... it WILL be 2010......
geez dude.. name them already.
Isiah Thomas
Carline! _ she is an idiot she never voted she thinks because she is a Kennedy people shoud allow her to be a senator. Think about it!. We have the best goverment money can buy!
Sounds like he is not going to choose either of them and go with someone "who has distinguished themselves who are not as well known."