U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

New York Governor David Patterson (D-NY) announced today the appointment of Kirsten Gillibrand as the new U.S. Senator from the Empire State replacing Hillary Clinton upon her confirmation as Secretary of State.

As noted earlier, Caroline Kennedy withdrew from consideration on Wednesday after learning the speculation had turned heavily towards Gillibrand.

Gillibrand, a second term Congresswoman, was named by the Capitol Hill publication Roll Call as the "most prolific freshman" fundraiser.

She's voted against timetables for withdraw for Iraq; joined with Obama in supporting FISA's renewal. Twice endorsed by the NRA, who gave her 100% rating, she has advocated home-ownership of semiautomatic weapons.

Gillibrand gave birth a year ago to her son, Henry, after sitting through a 13-hour marathon Armed Services Committee. But don't expect her to receive the same level of chiding as Sarah Palin did (or a somewhat similiar decision to stay at work till the last second before childbrithing).

At 42-year old, she will be the youngest member of the U.S. Senate.