NEW YORK (CNN) - New York Gov. David Paterson has chosen Democratic Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to sources close to the decision.
Gillibrand, 42, represents New York's traditionally Republican 20th district. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of congressional Democrats who hold more conservative views than their liberal Democratic counterparts. She is an outspoken advocate for gun rights, and she supports an extension of the Bush tax cuts.
Caroline Kennedy, seen as a favorite to fill the vacant seat, withdrew her name from consideration Wednesday, citing personal reasons.
What an insult to the people of NY – replacing a gun toting conservative to replace Hillary, who won her last election by a landslide.
Not a great pick. She doesn't represent the interests of downstate at all and, despite NY policians' desire to please upstate, downstate (which is just as important – or more – as upstate) will not support a candidate that favors guns and slashing government programs for needy people.
What is this? A blue dog democrate?
Who?
welcome, now get to work
you have a huge job ahead
Good, well done, good choice-she is the one,..there it is-
Patterson and this woman are already lame.
I am ashamed living in the city.
I was hoping for Kennedy because I believe she really wanted to be an 'nonest voice' for the people, but I am satisfied that you picked Kristin because she also has her voice for the people. So for this, I'll give you kudos Gov. ..................whew!
Nice choice. Thank you, Gov. Patterson. While I'm not in Kirsten Gillibrand's district, I've heard plenty of good about her and am sure she will be a good Senator. Hope that district gets someone as good to fill her seat.
EXCELLENT CHOICE!
Can't wait to hear the reaction from Reid and Pelosi.
Zell Miller was the last true blue dog democrat. You remember.., the guy liberals’ were trying to convert with their outspoken advocacy for SPIT BALLS!! Kirsten is a liberal, Obama a progressive liberal.
Great pick, better than Caroline Kennedy! Democrats attacked Palin Viciously, when Caroline had no experience what-so-ever and was just a big name because of her last name. Being a Kennedy should not mean you are entitled to a seat. This is a good pick though, Kirsten represents upstate New York (which has been constantly mis-represented), she is from where i'm from, and even represents the district I was born and lived in. It's nice to see she's a very moderate person and has some conservative views (it gets some balance in there). Too bad i'm no longer a New York citizen, I would easily vote for her re-election. I had my doubts about Patterson for a while, but Kudos to him now, fantastic choice!
Gun rights?
I hope that whoever is murdered by the gun of a 'gun rights" advocate is a loved one of the advocate and not of mine.
Ever notice–all these gun-toting killers never hurt their own, only the loved ones of others?
Good pick.
Actually, RealityKing, she's a Conservative Democrat. So look out, President Obama –you may not get as much luck as you and your followers thought.
GILLIBRAND 2016
Just you wait and see.
An extension of the Bush tax cuts? It doesnt even WORK!!! according to Nobel Prize winners. She should just run as a Republican.
I seriously doubt that "an outspoken advocate for gun rights" could win a state-wide election today. Unless Andrew Cuomo told the governor that he didn't want the job, his decision is mystifying.
Great pick Gov!!!
I also think Caroline Kennedy would have made a good choice but in the end his pick is right on!!!!
"Blago" Patterson strikes again. When will NY wake up say "Hey this guy is stupid and should not even be in charge of a Chicken Farm?" His aides should be put in the Town Stocks for the garbage they are spouting. This is definitely a case of the Pot calling the Kettle black.
Thank God for small favors for what ecver happened that led to the Kenndy lady to not run. We do not need anymore Kennedys in politics.
Everyone should be ashamed for the way they treated Caroline Kennedy. She has spent her life doing good for people, she's extremely intelligent, and just a great person who would have been an excellent senator.
I wish everybody would now leave her alone and stop with the sensationalism.
@ Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon...........You're an idiot.....the killers & murderers out there will always have guns, but the law abiding decent people won't have any guns ??? Is that what you're saying ?
Wrong choice Patterson, you lose.