Gillibrand New Favorite for Clinton Seat

Gov. Paterson says he'll name Hillary Clinton's replacement for the Senate tomorrow, and strong signs point to Albany-area Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, the Times Union reports. Given the recent carnival regarding the seat, it's probably best to hold off wagering, but two confidential sources say the Democrat will be named, and WPIX-TV reports the same.

Paterson phoned another candidate today and broke the news that he'd picked Gillibrand, one source tells the Times Union. "She's a star," said the party chair in Saratoga County. Assuming Gillibrand is the pick, "she will build her brand across the state just as quickly as she did in the district." Gillibrand is generally considered to be a conservative Democrat, and she's a proven fundraiser in the heavily Republican 20th District, which she won in an upset three years ago.
  (More Kirsten Gillibrand stories.)