Ms. Gillibrand is somewhat of a controversial figure to some liberal Democrats due to her endorsement by the N.R.A.  Representative Carolyn McCarthy, from Long Island, has vowed to run against Gillibrand in 2010.

ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson has selected Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, a 42-year-old congresswoman from upstate who is known for bold political moves and centrist policy positions, to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to a person who spoke to the governor early Friday.

The governor will announce his selection at noon in Albany. An aide to Ms. Gillibrand confirmed that she had accepted the appointment.

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