First Openly Gay U.S. Senator? Democrat, Union Leader, Educator

Today’s Daily News reports that New York Governor David Patterson is considering American Federation of Teachers’ president Randi Weingarten to fill the vacancy that will be created should Hillary Clinton become Secretary of State.

Weingarten is the recipient of the Pride Agenda’s 2007 Douglas W. Jones Community Service Award. (Video.)

 

“”She said, ‘You know me well enough to know if you want me,'” Paterson said. “I thought she handled it very well.”
“We will consider her,” he added.
Weingarten, who would be the first openly gay U.S. senator, has ties to Paterson’s father, Basil, a labor lawyer who has represented her union.
In a statement, she said she is “very flattered and honored” to be mentioned. “However, I have a great new job that I am very engaged in,” she added.
Paterson said he met on Sunday night for 90 minutes with Sen. Chuck Schumer and Big Apple area Reps. Charles Rangel, Gregory Meeks and Nita Lowey for advice.
Paterson said the group agreed he should choose someone with a strong work ethic who can help New York, particularly during the economic crisis.
They also told him not to “get pushed into doing anything.”
Caroline Kennedy’s name is dominating the news, but Paterson said the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy has not told him she definitely wants the job.
If she is serious, he said, “It would be a viable candidacy.”
Kennedy has a direct line to President-elect Barack Obama, who on Sunday called her one of his “dearest friends” – which would seem to give her sway for helping New York.
Paterson said another contender, state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, has not formally asked that he be considered.
“He indicated to me that he has some things he’s working on,” Paterson said. “He’s not really sure if he could be available.””