US News

PATERSON OPPOSES SENATE CARETAKER

ALBANY – Gov. Paterson yesterday roundly rejected the idea of appointing a caretaker to fill Hillary Rodham Clinton‘s soon-to-be vacant Senate seat – all but ruling out the prospect that an elder statesman, like former President Bill Clinton or ex-Gov. Mario Cuomo, could get the nod.

Such an interim appointment had gained traction among Paterson’s advisers in recent days as Caroline Kennedy’s campaign for the vacancy opened to poor reviews.

Advocates argue that a caretaker approach would put off an intraparty squabble until the seat goes before voters next year and allow Paterson to avoid making enemies in the interim.

But the former lieutenant governor, who himself will face statewide voters for the first time in 2010, said the move would damage New York’s standing in the Senate.

“I’m actually opposed to that,” Paterson told reporters. “It would cause New York to lose seniority, and in the United States Senate, the most effective senators are the ones that have seniority. So, I’m hoping that the person I select wins a primary.”

Paterson’s use of the word “primary” suggests the governor expects that his pick to serve out the remaining two years of Sen. Clinton’s term would face Democratic opposition if he or she seeks a full six-year term.

Kennedy’s bid has drawn resistance from Democrats – most notably, at first, from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan – due largely to the public support and staffing help she has received from Mayor Bloomberg.

Bloomberg’s controversial pursuit of a third term has dimmed Democratic hopes of retaking City Hall.

Paterson said he had not spoken to Silver about the selection process and had not yet read an article in yesterday’s Post, which quoted Silver as saying he had changed his mind about Kennedy and thought it was a “good possibility” Paterson would pick her.

But he did take a vague swipe at Silver for speaking on the selection process. “I am amazed by the willingness of my colleagues, who know this is a difficult decision, to comment on it so much,” Paterson said. “I’m not saying they shouldn’t. I’m just amazed by it.”

Paterson made his remarks during a two-hour open house at the Executive Mansion, in which he and First Lady Michelle Paige-Paterson greeted 300 members of the public.

The invitees had been selected by lottery from some 1,700 applicants for the New Year’s Day tradition. Throughout the event, Paterson shared more than a few jokes and playful comments with visitors about the Senate seat.

The governor drew his biggest laughs when he greeted a family from upstate Delmar, David and Jennifer Spore and their daughter – who, coincidentally, is named Caroline.

“Caroline is here, in case you all were wondering,” Paterson said loudly. “She’s 7 and she’s ready to go to the Senate.”

“Maybe another Caroline,” the girl’s mother joked moments later.

Earlier, Paterson offered his New Year’s resolution: “It’s to try not to talk about the Senate.”

brendan.scott@nypost.com