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Saturday, March 20, 2010   41º F

Updated 06/05/2008 06:14 AM

Clinton's next move could impact state politicians

By: Steve Ference

Clinton's next move could impact state politicians
ALBANY, N.Y. -- "I understand that a lot of people are asking ‘what does Hillary want?’"

Hillary Clinton asked the crowd Tuesday as she told them she would make "no decisions tonight" whether to concede or announce her next step.

And so, with the political drama coming to a head Tuesday without a concession speech from Senator Hillary Clinton, her delegates are wondering what's next.

"I am the leading vote getter as her delegate from this area," explained Albany County Executive and Clinton delegate Mike Breslin. "I've supported her for many years."

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Breslin said it's disappointing she's likely out and Obama is in, but believes others like him will be able to get behind the Illinois senator, if that's what party leaders want.

"I think in short order she'll probably direct me when I go to Denver to get behind the ticket and we'll be marching together," said Breslin.

"I was elected as a delegate for Hillary Rodham Clinton," Albany Mayor and Clinton delegate Jerry Jennings said. "And I'm going to stay with her until she tells me that she's doing something else."

Jennings hopes she continues in a similar role.

"We don't need her out of Washington. We need a strong representative in Washington," Jennings said.

Of course, all of this leads to the question, what if New York's Senator really does want something else?

"All of a sudden there would be a scramble if it becomes clear that she is going to leave this U.S. Senate from New York," said New York State League of Women Voters Legislative Director Barbara Bartoletti. "There are some who will petition this governor to appoint them to be the next U.S. senator."

Bartoletti said there are a number of options that might appeal to Clinton. Before, many thought if she won the presidency, former governor Spitzer would appoint former Lieutenant Governor David Paterson to the open post. With that no longer possible, Bartoletti thinks Hillary has plenty of options, but could take on a larger Senate role, minimizing local political ramifications.

"Maybe biding her time or sometime in the near future becoming majority leader in the Senate," said Bartoletti.

"What does Hillary want?" Clinton had repeated to the crowd Tuesday night.

For now, many in New York are waiting to find out.