Nov 21, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
EXCLUSIVE: Front-Runners To Replace Clinton
Suozzi, Cuomo, Even RFK Jr. Could Become N.Y. Next Junior Senator
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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President-elect Barack Obama is poised to nominate Sen. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, sometime after Thanksgiving. CBS 2 has learned exclusively some of the names that are on the short list to replace her in the Senate. (File)
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The speculation is starting to sound like reality. President-elect Barack Obama is poised to nominate Sen. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, sometime after Thanksgiving. CBS 2 has learned exclusively some of the names that are on the short list to replace her in the Senate.
Just 17 days ago, Clinton told CBS 2's Marcia Kramer unequivocally that she would not join Obama's administration if he won the election.
"I'm not interested in serving in the administration," she said Election Day morning. "I want to roll up my sleeves and be a good partner in the Senate for the agenda that I hope will be successful in the next two years."
But power is seductive and Clinton obviously did the math. Junior Senator from New York has a lot less clout than Secretary of State, and although the Obama people are guarded, it's clear they want her.
"She's obviously a talented public official and someone who would enhance any team," said David Axelrod, an Obama senior advisor.
With Clinton appearing to have one foot out the door, speculation is rampant about who Gov. David Paterson will choose to succeed her. Sources tell CBS 2 he's intent on doing what's politically expedient for himself, picking someone who will enhance his chances of reelection.
On the front-runners list are:
Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, who gives Paterson Long Island support
Brooklyn Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, a "two-fer" as a woman and a Latina
Hudson Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the favorite in a recent Marist poll
And the dark horse, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a sentimental choice who spoke only two days ago at the renaming of the Triborough Bridge for his father.
"We are a community in this country and New York is the paradigm for the other states in this country about how a people with outside differences can work together," Kennedy said Wednesday.
Paterson, of course, won't have to pick until after Clinton officially resigns her seat.
Whoever replaces her will only serve a short time before having to face voters twice in a special election in 2010 to fill her unexpired term, and again in 2012 for a new term.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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