Replacing Hillary
Posted: Monday, December 01, 2008 2:19 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
The game in New York moves to, "Who will replace Hillary?" It's been going on for some time with the speculation that the New York senator might be picked.
New York Gov. David Paterson will make the call -- the first time a New York governor has had to make the call since Rockefeller picked Charles Goodell after Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Paterson was out with a statement today (in full after the jump) after Clinton was named Secretary of State, saying, in part, that he was "proud" of Clinton and that New York was losing a "powerful voice."
On replacing her, Paterson said he is "consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton's replacement when the position becomes officially vacant."
Several names have been floated, including state Attorney General
Andrew Cuomo, son of former popular Gov.
Mario Cuomo, Nassau County Executive
Tom Suozzi, U.S. Reps.
Kirsten Gillibrand,
Brian Higgins,
Nydia Velazquez,
Jerrold Nadler,
Nita Lowey (who reportedly wants to stay in the House),
Steve Israel,
Gregory Meeks and
Louise Slaughter, Buffalo Mayor
Byron Brown (the city's first black mayor) and Bronx Borough President
Adolfo Carrión Jr. Even NYC Mayor
Mike Bloomberg's and
Caroline Kennedy's names have been thrown out there.
There are lots of pressures on Paterson -- from Upstate Democrats to women's groups.
The New York chapter of the National Organization of Women has jumped into the fray after Paterson said he "wouldn't feel obligated" to select a woman to replace the former First Lady. The group revived Paterson's words to the group at the Democratic National Committee in Denver, when he said, "Can we understand the feelings of individuals who worked hard enough, who tried hard enough and who always seemed to come up with less than their talent and character would take them? Do we really and truly and sincerely recognize what it does to a nation that too often has systematically dismantled opportunity for half of the human race? If we truly understand that, then we'd understand why a lot of supporters wouldn't say, 'We'll get 'em tomorrow' or 'Wait till next year.' Because it's been next year and next year and next year."
The group's President Marcia Pappas followed up this way: "We ask that our Governor remember these sentiments along with the fact that women make up over fifty percent of the population."
Of course, there are the Chuck Schumer considerations for Paterson. The senior New York senator reportedly does not want to be overshadowed.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON:
"Since the founding of our nation, New York has often sent our best leaders to Washington where they confronted the great challenges of their day. We are proud that Senator Clinton will join that venerable tradition as Secretary of State. She is the leader we need to partner with President-Elect Obama to confront the international challenges we face today. I can think of no one more qualified for the position at this critical moment in our history.
"New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank Senator Clinton for her service to this State. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new capacity. In order to appoint the best possible candidate to replace Senator Clinton, I am consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton's replacement when the position becomes officially vacant."
