Jan. 24--ALBANY -- Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, will become New York's new U.S. senator Sunday, succeeding Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In Albany on Friday, state Gov. David Paterson announced that after interviewing about a dozen people, "I believe I've found the best candidate to be the next senator from the state of New York."

Paterson told an audience of about 400 at the state Capitol that by last Monday, he was "95 percent certain" he would name Gillibrand, 42, to the seat Clinton vacated this week after being confirmed as secretary of state.

His decision was not based on gender or geography, he said, but on Gillibrand's broad knowledge and work ethic.

"She can talk you A-to-Z about agriculture, and A-to-ZZ about Wall Street," said Paterson.

The governor said he'd met Gillibrand about six years ago when trying to persuade her to run for the state Senate.

Gillibrand, who was surrounded by family members Friday, took a different path. In 2006, she launched a vigorous campaign in the 20th Congressional District and ousted incumbent Republican Rep. John Sweeney in the most heavily Republican congressional district in the state.

That district includes Delaware County, seven towns in Otsego County and part of Cherry Valley.

Last November, she easily won re-election, defeating former state GOP Chairman Sandy Treadwell. In both elections, she showed she can be a prodigious fundraiser and aggressive campaigner.

Paterson said he based his decision in part on Gillibrand's experience as a securities attorney who practiced for 15 years on Wall Street.

"I knew we'd have to address the economy, and we need someone who understands the financial system," he said.

Greeted with much applause Friday, Gillibrand said she would focus her attention immediately on the stimulus package promised by President Barack Obama. Over the long term, she said she will push to spur technological development, "green" energy projects and to help small business, "the heart and soul of our economy."

As a House member, Gillibrand has served on the armed services and agriculture committees. She said she has asked the Senate leadership to keep her on those committees in the Senate.

In recent days, Gillibrand has been criticized by gun-control advocates, who object to her support from the National Rifle Association. Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, a Democrat and strong gun-control advocate, said earlier this week she was considering a primary challenge to Gillibrand in 2010.

Asked about this Friday, Gillibrand said she hoped to work closely with Maloney and find common ground on this and other issues.