Paterson hints at upstate pick to replace Clinton

It would be advantageous to have an upstate New Yorker replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, Governor Paterson said Monday.

Paterson's comment came several hours after President-elect Barack Obama formally nominated Clinton to serve as Secretary of State in his administration. Clinton said she will not vacate her Senate seat until she is confirmed for the Cabinet position, and Paterson said he will not choose a replacement for Clinton until then.

Speaking in the Red Room of the State Capitol, Paterson offered a one-word answer -- "Yes" -- when asked whether it would be advantageous to select an Upstate New Yorker for Clinton's seat.

Asked what he thinks of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- Hudson), a rumored frontrunner, Paterson took a long pause then said, "You can ask me this question a million times. I'm not getting into who the candidates are, what I think of them. When you ask that question, did you really think I was going to answer it?

Paterson then left the podium to laughter from the assembled journalists.

Gillibrand took a ceremonial oath of office Monday morning at the Columbia County Courthouse, marking her second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the swearing-in, she told reporters she has not contacted Paterson's office about Clinton's seat.

Asked whether she would refuse the position, Gillibrand said, "When that bridge comes, I will cross it."

First elected to Congress in 2006, Gillibrand has forged a Democratic stronghold in a historically-Republican district. Some pundits believe Paterson will be therefore reticent to appoint her to the Senate.

"Upstate needs a focus, and so I think the Governor will make a decision based on all the needs that he has for the state," Gillibrand said.

CNN reported Monday that former President Bill Clinton has been mentioned as possible replacement for his wife. Other rumored frontrunners include at least eight of New York's congressional representatives, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Caroline Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi.

Suozzi appeared alongside Paterson on Monday at a press conference announcing the final report of the state's Commission on Property Tax Relief. Paterson pretended to announce Suozzi as his selection to replace Clinton, telling reporters, "I'm here today to make a major announcement. County Executive Tom Suozzi [long pause] has done an excellent job along with all the other members of the Commission."

Suozzi declined to comment on whether he's interested in Clinton's seat.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Nita Lowey (D - Westchester) -- another rumored frontrunner -- removed herself from contention, saying she is not interested in leaving the House.

Paterson has only ruled-out one person: himself. He has said he plans to run for governor in 2010.