As supporters of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and onlookers awaited for the senator to announce his choice for vice president Friday, many Long Islanders held out hope it would be Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).

Obama is said to have made his choice Thursday night and would reveal his pick via text message and e-mails to supporters. Thousands, if not millions of Obama supporters were frantically checking their cell phones throughout the day Friday, waiting for the message.

Senators from Delaware and Indiana, Biden and Bayh respectively, topped his short list, as did Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. Still, many New Yorkers say Sen. Clinton is the best woman for the job.

"I think she has the force of intellect, the breadth of experience and quite a lot of knowledge about how our political system works in Washington." Donna Miller, of Oceanside, says.

Even so, Clinton?s name has been absent from the press lately as a serious option for the slot.

"I wish it was Hillary, but I don't think it's gonna happen,? Nitzan Graham, also of Oceanside, told News 12 Long Island.

Whoever the choice is, a joint appearance is scheduled for Saturday in Illinois.