| The New York Times seems to think that Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has a real shot at replacing Sen. Hillary Clinton as Clinton departs to serve as Secretary of State in Barack Obama's administration.
Of course, the Times cites a few staunch Brown supporters to make their case:
With Hillary Rodham Clinton's nomination to be secretary of state now official, the discussions are ratcheting to a more frenzied level regarding her possible successor as United States senator. In fact, a number of elected officials from western New York are publicly urging Gov. David A. Paterson to appoint Mayor Byron W. Brown of Buffalo.
His supporters say that Mr. Brown, 50, would be the first black senator from New York and that he would also provide a national platform for a state official from western New York.
...
"I think that the mayor would generate a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and excitement," said State Senator Antoine M. Thompson, a Democrat who represents parts of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
"He's a former state senator, and so he's familiar with state issues," Senator Thompson said. "I think that people would like to see someone from upstate, particularly since we don't have anyone from upstate holding any prominent statewide office."
...
"Byron would be great in that position," said Steven Pigeon, a former Erie County Democratic Party chairman. "And I'm one of the people promoting him. I think it would mean a tremendous amount to the people of western New York to have him there."
If you know anything about Western New York politics, you know about the Byron Brown-Steve Pigeon connection. And if you know anything about Western New York politics, you know that Antoine Thompson is essentially Byron Brown's understudy. That's not to discredit Sen. Thompson (he's a great senator and a smart progressive leader) but that's just how this works.
But this shouldn't be seen as Byron Brown being a legitimate contender. Brown has a strong resume to run on: He is a former state senator who now serves as the mayor of New York's second largest city. He wouldn't be a bad pick, but I can think of better picks from upstate (i.e. Brian Higgins). Plus, I really do think Brown is trying to line himself up to go after Louise Slaughter's seat when she retires.
Keep in mind one fact though: Brown and Governor David Paterson are friends. They served in the New York State Senate together and that might count for something. But I don't see that being enough of a factor to thrust Brown into the seat. |
