This afternoon, New York Governor David Paterson announced his selection of Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton's seat in the United States Senate.

Here's what the President said about the announcement:

Governor Paterson made a wonderful choice in appointing Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton's seat in the United States Senate. I am confident that she will continue Secretary Clinton's distinguished¹ service to the people of New York and to our country.

During her career, Kirsten has been a strong voice for transparency and reform in government and shares the belief that government should be open, accessible and work for all of our citizens.  In Congress and as special counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, she worked to strengthen public and private partnerships² to invest in infrastructure³ and New York's economy.

At this time of great challenge, I know that Kirsten has the integrity, character, and dedication⁴ to public service to help us achieve our greatest goals.