Among those mentioned as potential successors are New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and a host of representatives in Congress.

Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand and Brian Higgins would satisfy those seeking someone from upstate New York. New York City contenders include Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, and Nydia Velazquez. Rep. Steve Israel and former county executive Tom Suozzi would presumably strengthen the Democratic state ticket in their vote-rich home turf of Long Island.

Then there are the longshots: environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his cousin Caroline Kennedy, and even Bill Clinton. The former president's spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Whoever is chosen will have to campaign in a special election in 2010, at the same time Paterson and New York's senior senator Charles Schumer are on the ballot. The seat would then come up for election again in 2012, when Clinton's current term would have expired.

"I do think it should be a woman," said Maloney, who called Obama's selection of Clinton "brilliant," and suggested Paterson look for a similar record of competence in "someone who will work their heart out in a very challenging time for the state."

Gillibrand said she thinks Paterson will seek "a good partner for Sen. Schumer to balance all of the state's interests."

Schumer, an increasingly powerful figure in the Democratic party, declined to discuss the selection process.

And with Clinton remaining in office until she is confirmed as Secretary of State, groups will have plenty of time to beg or bluster on behalf of their favored candidate.

Paterson doesn't lose much by waiting, except possibly some peace and quiet over the holidays.

An early resignation and appointment doesn't affect the U.S. Senate's all-important seniority rankings when it comes to committee assignments. Senate Democratic Secretary Lula Davis said that even if a replacement was picked and sworn in next week, that person would be considered no more senior than any of the newly elected senators coming to Congress in January.