By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-817268.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The upstate-downstate divide was never more evident than in the debate over the selection of a new US Senator from New York. Reporters from New York City-based media seemed insulted that Governor David Paterson bypassed qualified politicians from their area in favor of upstater Kirsten Gillibrand.
Until Friday, all of the top statewide elected posts in New York were filled by politicians from New York City. Governor Paterson maintains that Kirsten Gillibrand's gender and hometown were not factors in his decision -- that he selected her because she was the best person for the job. But reporters such as the New York Post's Fred Dicker were skeptical.
Gillibrand says the issues are the same, whether you live in Western New York or New York City.