NEW YORK -- Sen. Charles Schumer plans to hold a statewide Internet lottery to handle the deluge of New Yorkers wanting to attend President-elect Barack Obama's historic inauguration.

Schumer, who has received nearly 100,000 ticket requests so far, said Sunday his office will distribute approximately 350 tickets in a random drawing held the first week in December.

"The inauguration of a new president is always an exciting event," Schumer said. "But I think we all realize that this year is special.

"After an historic election season and the extraordinary nomination of Barack Obama, it is time for America to celebrate the bright future that is ahead of us. Although I wish all of America could attend the inauguration, there is only so much space, which is why we need to distribute these tickets fairly."

To enter, New Yorkers should go to Schumer's Web site at www.schumer.senate.gov where they will be asked to submit their name, address, phone number and number of tickets requested. There is a limit of two per request.

They can also fax their request to 202-228-3027. Only Web site or fax requests will be accepted. The deadline to submit requests is Nov. 30.

There are about 240,000 tickets in total available for the Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington, D.C.