New York, Jan. 23: New York Governor David Paterson is expected to name Representative. Kirsten Gillibrand, an upstate Democrat, to replace Hillary Clinton in the U. S. Senate, a Democratic official with knowledge of the governor''s decision told FOX News on Thursday night.

Gillibrand, elected in 2006, represents the state''s 20th congressional district in the U. S. House of Representatives. She is the first Democrat to represent the district since
1978 -- and the first female representative of the district.

Paterson is scheduled to formally announce his pick Friday.

"I''m honored just to be considered," Gillibrand told FOX News earlier Thursday.

But some New York City Democrats are skeptical of Gillibrand, who voted against the financial rescue package last fall.

The National Rifle Association, however, has endorsed Gillibrand, which is another cause for concern among some Democrats.

In defense of the endorsement, Gillibrand told FOX News that she come from a "hunting family" and "wants to support hunter''s rights."

The choice of Gillibrand follows weeks of broad speculation over whom Paterson would choose, the presumed frontrunners being state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President Kennedy.

Clinton resigned from the Senate this week to be sworn in as President Obama's Secretary of State.

Kennedy withdrew her name from consideration Wednesday, citing "personal reasons." (ANI)