Bloomberg to NY Guv: Stop Stalling and Name Senator

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pushing Gov. David Paterson to speed up his Senate appointment, the Daily News reports. “The governor should make a decision reasonably quickly because this is just getting out of control,” said the ally of Caroline Kennedy. “Everybody’s focusing on the wrong things.” Paterson says he plans to wait until Hillary Clinton is confirmed as secretary of State.

Bloomberg—whose top aide is helping push Kennedy’s bid—blasted critics who charge she’s not prepared. “Being a senator, you don’t have to know about every issue coming in,” Bloomberg said. “That’s what your staffs are for. Caroline Kennedy is eminently qualified to be a senator.” State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, another contender, snarked about Kennedy’s efforts, “I could campaign, lobby; I could offer opinions. I could speak to it. I don’t think it’s appropriate.” (More Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg stories.)