Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New York Gov. David Paterson says he's considering state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for appointment to the U.S. Senate seat about to be vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Paterson and Cuomo had refused to say if Cuomo is being considered, even as the latest polls show New Yorkers favor Cuomo narrowly over Caroline Kennedy.

In a CBS television interview during the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Paterson noted that Kennedy has impressed him but that Cuomo also has outstanding qualities.

Paterson says Cuomo — who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2002 — has told the governor he won't run against him in 2010.

Clinton has been nominated as secretary of state, and a roll call confirmation vote is expected Wednesday.