Paterson to decide Senate seat this week

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- New York Gov. David Paterson says he hasn't decided who will fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"I'd say I've narrowed the field but I don't seem to stay with the same picks for a period of time," Paterson told reporters Monday in Washington, where he was attending inaugural festivities for President Barack Obama.

Paterson said he will decide by this weekend, after he again examines some of the 28-page questionnaires each candidate submitted, The Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat & Chronicle reported Tuesday.

Paterson's short list reportedly includes state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, U.S. Reps. Steve Israel of Long Island and Kirsten Gillibrand of the Albany area and Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy, who is seeking her first public office.