Who will replace Clinton?

WASHINGTON — Veteran Congresswoman Nita Lowey won’t replace Hillary Rodham Clinton in Congress, but there are plenty of other New Yorkers who will spend the holiday season hoping for the ultimate political gift: a free two-year stint in the U.S. Senate.

Lowey said in an interview with The Associated Press Monday that she will remain in the House. The decision still leaves a dozen or more politicians vying for the favor of New York Gov. David Paterson, who will appoint Clinton’s successor.

The 71-year-old Lowey said she isn’t interested in giving up her hard-earned seniority in the House Appropriations Committee — a position which happens to give her a great deal of say over the budget of the State Department which Clinton may soon lead.