Governor may be leaning toward Kennedy

Two people close to Paterson tell AP they believe she'll be his choice

Video

Will Kennedy receive senate nod?
Jan. 2: New York Magazine's Chris Smith explains why NY Gov. David Patterson is sending mixed signals regarding the open NY Senate position despite rumors Caroline Kennedy is the top candidate.

MSNBC

NBC Video: Politics

Committee prepares to judge Sotomayor
July 12: On the eve of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings, Republican senators say they’re concerned about the her ability to adjudicate fairly. NBC’s Pete Williams reports.

Concealed CIA program angers Dems

Obama to speak at NAACP anniversary

Axing furloughs may come at educational expense

McCain ‘surprised’ by Palin’s resignation

Week Ahead: Sotomayor in the hot seat

Kirk decides not to run?

Burris announces he won't run in 2010

Slideshow

The Week in Political Cartoons
Msnbc.com’s political cartoonists take a look back at the past week.

more photos

updated 10:26 a.m. ET Jan. 2, 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. - Officials say the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy will be the governor's choice to fill the New York Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Two people close to Gov. David Paterson tell The Associated Press they believe Caroline Kennedy will be his choice, but the governor cautions he's still looking.

The New York Times reports that during a New Year's Day open house at the executive mansion, Paterson said "It ain't nothin' till I calls it." The quote recalls a statement once made by legendary baseball umpire Bill Klem.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Meantime, despite early reservations, New York state's most powerful legislative leader tells the New York Post he'll support Kennedy. State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he'll work for her election.

Paterson has sole authority to name a replacement for the next two years. Under state law, there would be an election to fill the last two years in 2010.