Gillibrand Picked as NY Senator

Albany-area Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be Hillary Clinton's replacement in the Senate, reports the New York Times. An aide to the Democrat confirmed that she has accepted the appointment and Gov. David Paterson is expected to make the announcement at noon today. Paterson made his choice before dawn after lengthy talks, a source told the Times.

Gilllibrand, known for her centrist policy positions, is controversial among Democratic liberals because of her opposition to gun control, but the choice will give Paterson political points with upstate voters. She emerged as the front-runner yesterday following a day of sniping between the governor's camp and associates of Caroline Kennedy over Kennedy's withdrawal from the running. (More Kirsten Gillibrand stories.)