Thomas Suozzi: Hillary Clinton's Senate Replacement?

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Thomas Suozzi, a New York state politician who ran for governor in 2006, may be among the top choices to replace Hillary Clinton, should she choose to leave her senate seat to be Barack Obama's secretary of state.

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza gave Suozzi the best odds for the job:

3-1: Thomas Suozzi. Suozzi is known nationally (to the extent he is known at all) as the guy who ran a quixotic primary challenge against Spitzer in 2006. With two years of hindsight, however, Suozzi, the Nassau County executive, looks better and better. Suozzi's geographic base (Long Island) is appealing for Democrats looking for a statewide winner, and Bill Cunningham, the top political aide to Paterson, is also extremely close to Suozzi.

A 2006 New York Magazine profile of Suozzi contained this brief biography:

On paper, Suozzi seems like a consultant's wish come true. He's a reform-minded Democrat in a largely Democratic state ripe for reform. He's young (43), suburban (born and raised in Glen Cove, Long Island), and a practicing Catholic (check that: pro-choice Catholic). He's got early-Pacino good looks, and a hey-let's-put-on-a-show enthusiasm that makes him the guy you want to talk to, whether it be at a Staten Island potluck or a policy conference in Albany.

And he's got sparkling political credentials. At 30, Suozzi, a lawyer and CPA, returned home to Glen Cove, ran for mayor, and went on to save his beloved town from fiscal disaster. In 2001, he pulled off a colossal upset and was elected Nassau County executive, the first Democrat in three decades to hold that position in the 55 percent Republican county. Once in office, Suozzi eliminated a $45 million deficit that had threatened to balloon to $400 million by 2005 and send the county into bankruptcy. The county's bond rating skyrocketed, and Suozzi was named a Governing magazine "Public Official of the Year."

Comments

[NYRalf]

Its going to be Suozzi. He's an extremely bright and talented politician. He has made it known for some time that he aspires one day to be President. He wanted that route to be through the NY State governorship but there isn't a chance in hell he challenges Paterson, a long time family friend.

[LIDemocrat]

Suozzi would be a good choice, in hindsight he would have saved us a lot of embarrassment from that hypocrite Spitzer. But one interesting fact - keep in mind that Governor David Patterson's father is a partner in the same law firm as Tom Suozzi's father. Governor Patterson appoints Senator Clinton's replacement. Anyone care on reassessing the odds???? But politics aside, I think he would be a great choice, good for Long Island and NY State.

[canucklivinginUSA]

GOOD God that man is fine. What is up with all these good looking dudes coming up in politics? GEN X represent!

[Noiresque]

He looks like Don Draper!

[NaturesNurturer]

I supported Suozzi against Spitzer 2 years ago. Being a Long Island democrat, I have been consistently impressed with Suozzi. Wish NY'ers had seen through Spitzer... I always knew there was something 'not right' about him. I've met Suozzi on the other hand... in a Barned & Noble while I was an employee there. Nice fellow.

[donkerbroek]

what a cutie!! woof.....why cant we have such good looking men for our senators in connecticut? i mean, joe lieberman is no "turn-on"'....am i right here?

[canucklivinginUSA]

Seriously!!! Give me some of that in Georgia and I will become a citizen and vote for him in a heartbeat!!! HOT DAMN

[majorteddy]

New York , BFD, who cares? Only New Yorkers!

[SeconLine]

...and people who care about what happens in the US Senate!

[Owlygirl]

Forgive me, but Rowr!

[madeofsteel]

I second that "R-O-W-R"

[socratiskiss]

LOL you're not kidding. He has my vote ;)

[Hekerui]

Sounds good. Sean Patrick Maloney is good looking too I must say.