New York’s next senator

The Senate’s gain might be the House’s loss. By selecting Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to replace Hillary Clinton, New York Gov. David Paterson might have given Republicans a new House seat.

Gillibrand — an odd mix of gun control foe and gay rights advocate, anti amnesty for immigrants and pro alternative energy — carried her heavily Republican upstate district, something more typical Democrats might not be able to do.

Gillibrand will take the Senate office Sunday.