Madam Secretary...

or why should you care about who replaces Sen. Clinton as the Junior Senator from New York.

First off, I would like to thank FAU for his insight on Sen. Clinton as Secretary of State, in response to my query of him.

I think that Sen. Clinton would be an excellent choice for Secretary of State.

But who is going to replace her?

As New York tumbles towards George and Lenny territory, who will step-up? Who will write letters to television characters protesting the endorsement of the closing of Fort Drum?

Well, the choice isn't up to us.  The choice is up to Gov. Patterson.

From the NY Times (via All Over Albany):

People who are familiar with Mr. Paterson's thinking on the matter have said in recent days that while the governor had not made a short list, he has discussed several names — including Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, Representative Kirsten E. Gillibrand of Hudson, Representative Brian Higgins of Buffalo and the Bronx borough president, Adolfo Carrión Jr.

Of that short list, the only one I think "deserves" it, who is ready for it, and who would be the best political choice is AG Cuomo.  Why? 

• His work at HUD
• It would remove a thorn in Gov Paterson's side.
• He is another Clintonite and would pacify that wing of the party.
  
• His personality and history are not particularly well suited to Albany.
• There are many many people who are qualified to be AG in New York, the list for those who are qualified and ready to be Senator...not...so...much.

If I were to offer a choice, a name to be thrown into the ring.

H. Carl McCall.

He is a good man, a smart man, a good public servant, and he took one of the chin for the party in 2002.

Let this be his valedictory.