Who is Kirsten Gillibrand? HIllary Clinton's Replacement!

Kirsten Gillibrand, 42, is a Democratic congresswoman from upstate New York. She represents the 20th District and won her seat in an upset in 2006, toppling veteran Republican John Sweeney. She won re-election easily in 2008.

There was perhaps some luck involved in Kirsten Gillibrand's 2006 victory as that was the election that swept many Democrats into power, giving them control of the House and Senate.

An announcement by Paterson was scheduled for noon Friday.

While the issues surrounding the failure of Caroline Kennedy to acquire the seat have been made public, it's unclear how Kirsten Gillibrand overcame other such hi-profile contenders as Mario Cuomo.

Gillibrand is considered one of the fiscally conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats; she voted last year against the $700 billion Wall Street bailout bill.

This appointment lasts only until 2010, when a special election will be held to fill the final two years of Clinton's original term.