New York State Governor David Paterson on Friday announced his decision to name an upstate congresswoman to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Hillary Clinton, who has become the Secretary of State of the Obama administration.

Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who will succeed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, attends a news conference in Albany, New York, Jan. 23, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Also on Friday, Paterson received a phone call from President Barack Obama, and the governor let Gillibrand speak briefly with the new president.

Gillibrand is an advocate for gun rights and a member of the National Rifle Association.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement that Gillibrand was a “committed member” of the House, but said he had a “strong disagreement” with her votes “to keep critical data needed to track illegal gun traffickers from law enforcement…and to tie the hands of the (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).”

Gillibrand has also voted to protect dealers who sell guns illegally, the mayor added.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet