Schumer will stay publicly neutral on Hillary replacement

New Yorks Senior Senator Charles E. Schumer (D) said Sunday that he will stay neutral with regard to which of the 11 candidates on Governor David A. Paterson's (D) short list to replace his fellow New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), who will resign her Senate seat to accept President-elect Barack Obama's appointment to serve as Secretary of State.

"I have not and do not intend to endorse a specific candidate before Governor Paterson makes his decision," said Schumer. "I'm confident that Governor Paterson will make a careful, thought-out decision to help New York."

Schumer said that his public position of neutrality won't stop the candidates, nor their backers from seeking his help or favor, even if only behind closed doors. He also refused to discuss what factors he thought the governor should consider in making the choice.

Caroline Kennedy is by far the biggest name in the mix, but there are plenty of others: New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County District Executive Tom Suozzi, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr., as well as Reps. Nydia Velazquez, Carolyn Maloney, Steve Israel, Jerrold Nadler, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Brian Higgins.

Paterson said that he will be meeting with Clinton, Schumer and other officials this week to discuss filling the vacancy.