Governor David Paterson picked Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, to replace outgoing Senator Hillary Clinton at a noontime conference today. The announcement brought to an end weeks of rollercoaster speculation on who would replace the new Secretary of State.
I didn’t ask for this responsibility, but it is my privilege and honor to execute our state statute this afternoon, said Paterson. `I believe I have found the best candidate to become the United State Senator from New York.`
Gillibrand acknowledged that she has not been in the forefront of discussion about Clinton’s replacement.
`I realize that for many New Yorkers, this is the first time you’ve heard my name and you don’t know much about me,` said Gillibrand. `Over the next two years you will get to know me, and more importantly, I will get to know you.`
Paterson said the documents to confirm Gillibrand have been signed are being sent to Washington, and that the Congresswoman will be a Senator by Sunday.
Gillibrand briefly outlined her plans for her time in the Senate, of which she will have at least two years until a special election in 2010. The federal government’s stimulus package was on the top of the list.
`We are all painfully aware that New York has been hit by this recession,` she said. `I intend to listen to all my constituents, and all my colleagues in government, to be a part of this solution.`
She wants to make infrastructure improvements, most notably the construction of a high speed rail across the state.
`It is the best investment that we can make in the next decade,` she said. `Those infrastructure investments can make a difference.`
Gillibrand also called for middle class tax cuts, education tax credits, a greater share of Medicaid payment from the federal government and investment in energy solutions.
She also plans to ask to keep her House committee assignments in the Senate`armed services and agriculture.
Gillibrand won her second bid to represent New York’s 20th Congressional District in November, taking a healthy percentage of the vote in the Republican-leaning district. The 42-year-old mother of two served in the Department of Housing and Urban Development during President Clinton’s years (under Andrew Cuomo, whose name often appeared on a short list of potential candidates for Paterson) and was assisted in her first election by top Clinton advisor Howard Wolfson.
Clinton and Gillibrand have campaigned and raised money for one another in previous elections, and Gillibrand largely attributed her entrance into politics to a speech she gave in China while First Lady.
She is a member of the exclusive group of Blue Dog Democrats, a group of less than 50 House members whose political stances are right leaning. Gillibrand secured votes in the 20th partly because of her conservative stances on gun control, stem cell research and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. She was also a strong supporter of 2008’s Farm Bill.
Her win against four-term incumbent John Sweeney in 2006 gave credence to her political savvy, as she rolled out what was a well-run, well-funded campaign for a first-time candidate. More than one political pundit was taken by surprise that November.
Though the former New York City lawyer has not made downstate issues part of her political life`and has drawn some fire from members of her party for it`on Friday she pledged to work for the whole state, not just upstate.
`I will look for ways to find common ground between upstate and downstate,` she said, specifically mentioning finding a way to reduce gun violence while persevering hunters’ rights.
Senator Charles Schumer, however, applauded the fact that Paterson chose an upstate representative.
`The problems of upstate are critical to our whole state,` he said. `Having someone who is actually from upstate is a huge plus.`
`She has a reputation as a go-to person,` he continued. `If you have an issue in her district, go to Kirsten Gillibrand and she’ll get things done.`
Many speculated that Caroline Kennedy would be sent to the Senate in the one-vote election. Though early polls showed that New Yorkers favored her, several unflattering interviews and an otherwise botched campaign rollout soured the public on her. She withdrew from consideration early on Thursday, citing an unnamed `personal reason.`
Partly due to the magnitude of media coverage surrounding Kennedy’s bid, Gillibrand’s name was rarely uttered in talk of who would replace Clinton, who was sworn in as Secretary of State on Wednesday. Paterson made a policy of rebuffing any talk of the choice, often admonishing those who engaged in speculation.
Gillibrand could help Paterson in many ways, though. Now having both inherited their offices, they will be facing reelection in 2010. Though a young up-and-comer, Gillibrand has already won favor with many in upstate New York and is a woman, perhaps contributing to key demographics for Paterson.
Paterson dismissed such speculation.
`This decision was not based on gender, geographical orientation, race, religion or sexual orientation. This decision was based was based on who was best for the job,` he said at Friday’s ceremony.
A special election will be held in the 20th to select Gillibrand’s replacement. Many have said that Republicans will have a likely chance of recapturing the seat, given a lack of Democratic candidates who could capture Republican votes as easily as Gillibrand did. Democrats have a healthy lead on Republicans in the House, though.
Check back to spotlightnews.com for updates as they develop.
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