Dear Governor Paterson, When this petition was first created, I was concerned that Senator Clinton would be replaced by a man instead of a woman. I wrote that a qualified woman should take her seat, so that women do not lose representation in Congress. 285 people agreed with this concern and signed that petition, which was mailed to you on December 16, 2008. Now, something has happened that has shocked Senator Clinton's supporters. A supremely unqualified woman, who has never been interested in politics until this year, has suddenly decided she is entitled to be appointed to Senator Clinton's seat. I hope you understand that Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is absolutely unacceptable to Clinton supporters. Her lack of experience alone should be prohibitive, but even if it were not, we know that Ms. Schlossberg has never supported Senator Clinton. In the Democratic primaries, she was an early and vocal supporter of then-Senator Obama. She played a key part in his campaign, and was co-chair of his Vice Presidential vetting team, which famously and controversially did NOT pick Senator Clinton for that spot. Indeed, Senator Clinton herself seems dead set against Ms. Schlossberg's unearned ascension to the Senate, based on a name she has done little or nothing to honor for 51 years. Governor Paterson, with all due respect, please honor the wishes of Senator Clinton and her supporters. Appoint a qualified woman, like Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney - a distinguished and hardworking representative of New York's 14th District - to Hillary's seat. Thank you for your consideration.

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