Gov. David Paterson is set to announce his pick to fill Hillary Clinton?s Senate seat Friday, a decision that has thrust those involved into the national spotlight.

Caroline Kennedy announced she was dropping out of the running Wednesday, but there are still some famous names, as well as some not-so-famous names on the list.

A majority of New Yorkers prefer Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, according to a statewide poll taken this week. Some say Paterson may pick Cuomo so he won?t run against the governor in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

Sal Primeggia, from Oyster Bay, agrees. "He's shown he's done the job, he has some experience, and of course that would be a smart move on Paterson's behalf,? Primeggia says.

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi are said to be on the short list, as is New York City Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who is the choice of the National Organization for Women. Long Island's NAACP says it's time to appoint someone black to the Senate from New York.

Suozzi told News 12 Thursday night the governor asked the candidates he?s considering to go up to Albany. ?Whatever the governor does, I?ll support his decision,? Suozzi says.

Hofstra University political analyst Larry Levy says updated Democratic Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand would be a good choice. ?An upstate woman would certainly meet several of the basic food groups,? Levy says. ?Kirsten Gillibrand is really the only upstate person you hear about.?