Paterson Shoots Down 'Caretaker' Senator Rumor

David Paterson quashed speculation that his pick to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate won’t run to keep the seat in a 2010 special election, the Times Union reports. Picking a so-called caretaker “would cause New York to lose seniority,” the New York governor said. Paterson added that he didn’t think criticism of Kennedy’s speech in recent interviews has affected her chances.

"I would not be bothered,” Paterson said, “if the public rejected my choice because it really is the public's choice. They will make the final decision in 2010." Paterson also shot back at talkative local pols: "I've been amazed at the willingness of my colleagues, who know that this is difficult process, to comment on it so much."
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