NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson says people should refrain from gossiping about who he will appoint to represent New York in the U.S. Senate.

Anticipation has swirled around the selection ever since Caroline Kennedy decided to seek appointment to the seat once held by her slain uncle.

But speaking in Harlem on Thursday, Patterson said he was in no rush to name his pick to replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton if she is confirmed as secretary of state.

He says, "I feel less anxiety over the choice because in two years the public will, in a special election, determine who is the senator."

Under the state constitution, the appointee must stand in the next general election, which is in 2010.

Among those who are also said to be interested in Clinton's Senate seat are New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi of Long Island, and Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Steve Israel, Jerrold Nadler, Kirsten Gillibrand and Brian Higgins.

Paterson has not tipped his hand as to whom he prefers.