NY Gov. Paterson Replaces Clinton With Gillibrand for Senate Seat

New York Governor David Paterson announced that Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democratic US representative, would replace now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's senate seat.

"I am priviliged and responsible to appoint the senator today," said Paterson.

Paterson stated that Gillibrand would become a New York senator for an interim period, and there would be a special election in November of 2010. He set up a committee to pick the candidates, who put forward their names if they were interested in the position.

He also said that Clinton passed on her congratulations and said Gillibrand would make a great senator in New York.

Gillibrand was involved in the 9/11 investigation and pushed for yearly state and city budgets. She has also garnered some controversy for her staunch backing of gun rights.

Gillibrand said they were all blessed to have Obama as their leader, and that she was looking forward to being a partner in restoring the United States from its recession.

She told New Yorkers that they might not know her, but she would get to know them and represent their views for the next two years.