The AP is reporting that two people "close" to Governor Paterson are saying that "they believe" the choice has already been made to fill the senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton and that it's Caroline Kennedy.
Meanwhile, the New York Times is reporting that the gov has yet to make up his mind:
Gov. David A. Paterson sought to tamp down some of the political brinksmanship over his selection of a new United States senator, insisting on Thursday that he was still interviewing people for the position and felt no pressure to appoint any particular candidate.
Mr. Paterson’s remarks, which he made to reporters during a New Year’s Day open house for the public at the Executive Mansion, were a sign that he is trying to reassert some control over a process that has been overrun by speculation, highly visible lobbying and harsh criticism.
Mr. Paterson offered a cautionary note for those who might try to influence his decision or divine where his preferences lie.
“There’s one choice. It’s the one the governor will make. And in the end everybody will understand that,” he said.
Recalling a statement by Bill Klem, the legendary baseball umpire, the governor added, “ ‘It ain’t nothin’ till I calls it.’ And that’s how I’m telling you. Pass that along to any of these excited people who think they’re going to influence me.”
Insiders have been saying for weeks that Paterson will have an awfully hard time denying Kennedy the seat given the history involved and the high powered politicos who have come out for her in recent weeks. If Paterson is going to disappoint someone, his preference almost certainly is to offend someone who will do him the least political damage. In that sense, he makes the fewest enemies by picking Kennedy - despite complaints about her experience and qualifications from a wide swath of the Democratic establishment.
That resentment would probably disappear once Kennedy began raising money for the state party and some of her detractors in particular. The same could not be said for most of the other candidates being mentioned. The fact is, the Kennedy name is a goldmine that New York Democrats are salivating to tap into. And having her serve as one of the statewide legislators only makes that goldmine available to more people.
Expect an announcement over the weekend.
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