Paterson picks Congresswoman Gillibrand to replace Clinton in Senate

Story Created: Jan 23, 2009 at 8:57 AM EST

Story Updated: Jan 23, 2009 at 2:05 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor David Paterson has appointed Democratic U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill New York's vacant Senate seat.

The appointment was announced Friday and requires no further
confirmation. Gillibrand replaces Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was
recently named U.S. secretary of state.

The announcement comes one day after Caroline Kennedy, daughter
of President John F. Kennedy, abruptly withdrew from consideration
for the Senate seat.

The 42-year-old Gillibrand has been one of the top contenders in
Paterson's selection process, along with Kennedy and state Attorney
General Andrew Cuomo. The upstate congresswoman had served as
Cuomo's special counsel when he was housing secretary under
President Clinton.

Paterson's appointment lasts until 2010, when a special election will be held to fill the final two years of Clinton's term.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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