By Alan K. Ota CQ Staff
Published: 01-22-09
Several House Democratic aides indicated Wednesday night that Andrew Cuomo New York’s attorney general is the likely front-runner for the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton now that Caroline Kennedy has reportedly withdrawn her name from consideration.
According to published reports Kennedy cited personal reasons in ending her monthlong bid to succeed Clinton who was confirmed Wednesday as secretary of State. She resigned her Senate seat immediately after her confirmation.
NBC however citing unnamed sources reported that Kennedy has not withdrawn her bid.
The New York Times reported that Gov. David A. Paterson was expected to announce his Senate choice on Saturday.
Paterson had said he was impressed with Kennedy but said he also was considering other candidates who were not as well known.
Cuomo is a former Cabinet secretary under President Bill Clinton and the son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.
The Times reported that Kennedy’s decision to withdraw was prompted by concerns about the health of her uncle Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts who was hospitalized after a seizure during an inaugural lunch Tuesday for President Obama.
Four House Democrats have expressed interest in the Senate seat: Jerrold Nadler Carolyn B. Maloney Steve Israel and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Gillibrand who is a sophomore has been a dark horse candidate for the appointment. A Blue Dog Democrat she has been a strong contributor to colleagues from her leadership political action committee by a number of senior Democrats including Sen. Charles E. Schumer former chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Her leadership political action committee Gillibrand Victory Fund raised $305000 in the last election cycle.
Maloney was named chairwoman of the Joint Economic Committee possibly signaling she was out of the running.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
