New York governor David Paterson today appointed Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the US Senate seat vacated by newly confirmed secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Ms Gillibrand (42), is a second-term Democratic congresswoman from eastern New York state. She and state attorney general Andrew Cuomo had been seen as the top candidates for the post after Caroline Kennedy withdrew from consideration on Thursday.
Ms Clinton, a former first lady, left her Senate seat to become US secretary of state under president Barack Obama, putting the decision on filling the vacancy in the hands of New York's governor.
Introducing Ms Gillibrand at a news conference in Albany, Mr Paterson said: "I believe I have found the best candidate to become the next US Senator from New York."
"She is dynamic. She is articulate. She is perceptive. She is courageous. She is outspoken," Mr Paterson said.
Ms Gillibrand, in her acceptance speech, acknowledged that she was a relative unknown in New York politics.
"I realise that for many New Yorkers, this is the first time you have heard my name and you don't know much about me," she said, promising that she "will represent the many diverse views and voices of the entire state as your senator".
Ms Gillibrand also thanked Ms Clinton and said she hoped to follow in her footsteps.
"I cannot tell you how many times she has inspired me to action," she said, calling Ms Clinton "a clarion call to so many like me who now hope to make a difference in the lives of others".
Ms Gillibrand is considered a centrist Democrat who could win votes from Republicans at the next election. Speculation over her selection already prompted criticism from more liberal Democrats.
Political experts had predicted Ms Paterson would select a woman as well as someone who would help him win conservative, upstate votes in his reelection bid in 2010. Ms Clinton's replacement faces a special election the same year.
Ms Kennedy (51), daughter of assassinated president John F. Kennedy, dropped out of consideration, citing personal reasons.
Her decision to withdraw came after her uncle, Massachusetts senator Edward Kennedy, suffered a seizure on Tuesday in Washington. The 76-year-old senator, who is fighting brain cancer, was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
While initial speculation centered on Ms Kennedy pulling out over concern about her uncle's health, ensuing reports pointed to other issues.
Some local media reported that an aide to Ms Paterson said problems with taxes and a household employee had emerged duringMs Kennedy's vetting.
The governor's office issued a statement saying nothing unearthed during the selection process had made it necessary for anyone to withdraw.
Ms Kennedy's political debut was rocky. She seemed uncomfortable talking to the media and was criticized for giving vague and inarticulate answers to interview questions.
A poll taken earlier this month showed that while a quarter of respondents favored Ms Kennedy, 31 per cent preferred Mr Cuomo.
Mr Cuomo, also 51, is the son of former New York governor Mario Cuomo and was secretary of housing and urban development under former president Bill Clinton.
Reuters