David Patterson needs to wrap things up and make a decision already. He's dragged things out long enough.

if that family name comes with "connections" isn't that helpful to the state?

Leo #11
Agreed. I realize there is a concern that the individual has to then run in 2010 and again in 2012, but if he or she has support from the other people on the ticket and comes into the senate really ready, there is a good chance for election in '10. I think there is not enough outside-the-city representation.

David #10
Agreed. While family name means that there is no level playing field in electoral politics, at least Cuomo and Clinton won statewide elections. If someone is appointed because of a family name, that's even more distasteful.

On the Takeaway, Brian I think it was, mentioned that some people think that Barack Obama was pushing for Kennedy. That does nothing for me. This is not about him or who supported him in the primaries, it is about NY. No favors please.

MC #9 - I agree. He should find someone from outside the City. - There is too much inbreeding in this City. Suozzy is a good choice or a real leader from upstate.

Family name should not be a reason for anyone to feel they are deserving of any public office, but as we all know deals are made behind closed doors without public knowledge.
New Yorker's are not stupid we all know Andrew Cuomo will be appointed to the Senate seat, so Gov. Paterson can remove him as a challenger for Governer its all politics.

Leo #7
It sure looks that way to me. I don't think any of that really shows the character of NYC, and furthermore, as I said before, NY is a big state. What about a brand from outside the city?

I need a job, so I'd be glad to take the Senate gig. The problem is that I couldn't fint the 20-odd page vetting questionaire on the Governor's website!

Post #3 - MC From Brooklyn:

To Mr. Bloomberg, politics and government is about 'branding' and selling. It's all business to him. The City has been governed the same way - his 'development' projects are only about what's hip and cool and what is 'marketable'. NOT what is good for the City's development long term.

Defense of Paterson

Is it appropriate to say that Gov. Paterson was not elected to statewide office when as Lt. Governor he was elected statewide to replace the governor when required?

How about Tom Suozzi? Would be great pick. Also recall Schumer ALSO on the ballot for regular re-elction. Brian was wrong when he said Paterson would pick a new AG if Cuomo Jr. were picked. Actually, Speaker Silver would pick like he picked Controller Tom DiNapoli.

Governor Patterson has really dragged this on needlessly. It is an embarrassment. The governor at first seemed to hold promise but I think that there is a lot fo grandstanding going on.

What does Bloomburg mean by a "New York brand?" Someone like him from the East Side who is fabulously wealthy? The reason I originally opposed Hillary's run in 2000 was because she did not seem in any way "New York." But she ran, she was not appointed, and I voted for her because I preferred her over her opponents. Then she worked like a dog the way she will at the State Dept. and surprised the heck out of me by being a good senator. What is a "New York brand?" New York is a big state. Caroline never did it for me. Let her run. I might very well vote for her as I did Hillary, depending on her opponents.

Well, how about Tom Suozzi? He's dynamic, effective and has been a great Nassau County Executive! Remember, Schumer is ALSO on the ballot in 2010 for regular re-election. (For sure, Paterson isn't running a Blago-like auction....or could he?)

The NYTimes wrote: “She has pluses and minuses,” Mr. Paterson said in a radio interview earlier this month, adding that Ms. Kennedy “has a tremendous relationship with the president and that’s certainly a plus. She does not have much legislative experience, which is a minus.”

If her great plus is that she knows Obama (so great a plus that it trumps lack of experience), wouldn't the best choice really be Michelle Obama?