NY-Sen, NY-20: PIX11 reports it's Gillibrand for Senate

Confirming a full day of heavy rumors, PIX11 News reports that Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be appointed to the United States Senate to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

PIX News has learned Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand is the choice of Governor David Paterson to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton.  Two Congressional sources tell PIX News that the Governor will make his announcement in Albany at noon tomorrow.  He has invited members of the state's Democratic Congressional delegation to join him.

The sources told reporter Marvin Scott that the Governor has called members of the delegation for their views after Caroline Kennedy withdrew herself from consideration.  One of the contenders, longterm Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney canceled a scheduled appearance on "PIX News Closeup" Friday because of a "conflict," which she did not disclose. She too will be in Albany. According to the sources, Gillibrand, now in her second congressional term, was favored by both Senator Chuck Schumer and Secretary of State Clinton.  Paterson has been under pressure to select a woman.

With most Democratic leaders in Albany coming from the New York City area, one source said this would be an important move for the Governor to have a Senator from upstate. And it is felt Gillibrand would be an asset to Paterson in any bid for election in 2010.

This will undoubtedly disappoint many progressives, but there is certainly a bright side as well.

First, Gillibrand's district leans Republican, and gave Bush 54% of the vote in 2004. It's quite likely she'll be a bit more liberal representing the entire state - a similar thing happened to Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, a moderate Democrat in the House who became significantly more liberal in the Senate.

Second, it's very likely Gillibrand will run the risk of a serious, well-funded primary challenge if she doesn't position herself with the mainstream of the New York Democratic Party.

She's worked very hard to become a United States Senator, and has earned the reputation of a coming political star.

If she wants to ensure she keeps it - and keeps her Senate seat - she will need to slide somewhat to the left.

Her House seat, unfortunately, will be a difficult hold. Presumably Gov. Paterson will shortly schedule a special election, as required by law.

Republicans have done exceedingly well in special elections since November 4, 2008, which possibly indicates a good bit of complacence on behalf of many Democrats. In this district, especially, winning will be very tough.

It should serve as a reminder that the work doesn't end after we win the White House, not even for the average Democratic voter.