New York Governor Meets Caroline Kennedy

January 12, 2009 11:36 a.m. EST

Albany, NY (AHN) - New York Gov. David Paterson met Caroline Kennedy on Saturday when they discussed Kennedy's desire to be appointed to the U.S. Senate as replacement to the seat to be vacated by Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Clinton is expected to be appointed as Secretary of State under the Obama administration, to replace Condoleeza Rice.

Kennedy is among the 10 potential candidates the governor is interviewing. To help him make the final choice, Paterson asked them to fill out questionnaires about their work history, finances and other vital information.

Kennedy's rivals for Clinton's post include Representatives Steve Israel, Jerrold Nadler, Kirsten Gillibrand, Brian Higgins and Carolyn Maloney, Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell and Nassau County executive Thomas Suozzi. Another potential candidate for Clinton's senatorial seat is New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The governor's spokeswoman confirmed the meeting between Paterson and Kennedy held at the governor's Midtown Manhattan office. But she did not provide more details as the discussions were private.