Statement From Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine Regarding Gov. David Paterson’s Selection Of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand To Follow Secretary Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton As New York’s Next U.s. Senator:

WATERTOWN (January 23, 2009)—“I’m certainly pleased that the governor has chosen to move quickly after Sen. Clinton’s confirmation. We all recognize the importance of our senator being at the table when the economic stimulus package is discussed.

“I want to congratulate Rep. Gillibrand on her move to the Senate. She has been a strong advocate for rural New York and an active member of the House’s Agriculture Committee. She will do a great job representing us and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to congratulate and thank Sen. Clinton for her work over the last eight years. She has been a familiar face in Central and Northern New York, visiting us many times to listen to our concerns. Sen. Clinton has not only been a colleague, but a friend and I wish her the best in her new role as Secretary of State.”