Paterson eyes Gillibrand as Clinton replacement

New York Gov. David Paterson is considering filling
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s former Senate seat with two-term
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, according to local media reports. 

{mosads}The selection would give upstate New York representation
in the Senate and also would not change the number of women in the upper
chamber.

There was a flurry of activity related to the seat in the
past 24 hours. First, Clinton was confirmed and then it became known that
Caroline Kennedy was withdrawing her name from consideration.

Following that decision, Gillibrand, 42, appeared to
quickly rise to the list of top contenders.

A Gillibrand appointment would not be without controversy.
The New York Times reported that Rep.
Carolyn McCarthy, a strong gun control activist who was elected to Congress
after her husband was killed by gunfire, would consider a primary challenge
against Gillibrand.