Hillary To Remain In Senate Until Confirmed For Cabinet Post

Albany, NY (AHN) - Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) may remain a junior senator for some time. The former first lady plans to resign only when she is confirmed as secretary of State. New York Gov. David Paterson also said on Monday that he will only name a replacement when Clinton officially steps down.

"Sen. Clinton intends to remain in office through confirmation," Clinton adviser Philippe Reines is quoted by the New York Daily News as saying on Monday, the same day Clinton was named by President-elect Barack Obama to the Cabinet post.

Paterson issued a statement later that day saying, "New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism."

"In order to appoint the best possible candidate to replace Senator Clinton, I am consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton's replacement when the position becomes officially vacant," the Democratic governor said.

The earliest time, therefore, Clinton could resign would be when Obama's new administration is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20. The new 111th Congress convenes Jan. 6.

New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have been reported as contenders for Clinton's seat. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) was considered the front runner, but she told Politico on Monday that she was withdrawing herself from consideration since she would be more effective in her current post.

Joining Obama during the press conference announcing her appointment as secretary of State, Clinton said she would pursue a "vigorous" foreign policy that will renew America's standing in the world. She thanked New Yorkers for giving her "the joy of the job I love" and said that her work representing a unique state had prepared her well for her new role.

Clinton also said the fate of the nation and the future of young Americans will be forged in how the economic crisis, "relentless" terror threats worldwide and global warming are handled. She added that the United States faces a "daunting" task and that the crises cannot be solved without joint efforts with the international community.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) responded to the announcement by citing a memo from the Obama campaign in March that said the New York senator had not played a role in national security issues when she was first lady. The memo was issued in response to Clinton's "red phone" ads that warned voters about choosing a candidate who lacked the experience needed to make effective decisions during times of national crisis.

Clinton will serve as the third woman secretary of State after Condoleezza Rice and Madeleine Albright.