By MICHAEL GORMLEY
Associated Press

ALBANY - New York Gov. David Paterson insisted Monday that he still hasn't decided whom he will appoint to the Senate seat expected to soon be vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, despite news reports to the contrary.

The Democrat, who was in Washington for the inauguration, said he hopes to announce a decision by the weekend.

He said he has narrowed the field of as many as 20 hopefuls, including Caroline Kennedy, daughter of late President John Kennedy.

"I'm not leaning in one direction, but I think I'm focusing on a few candidates now who, in my mind, would be finalists," Paterson said.

The governor said he hasn't yet evaluated the lengthy questionnaires completed by candidates, which ask for background information including personal finances.

The selection process, now in its second month, has frustrated Paterson and supporters of the candidates.

Paterson commented on what he said were amazing - and, he hinted, false - reports in news stories, several of which said he was expected to choose Kennedy.

"I can say I don't know who the next senator for New York is right now. I would swear to it," he said during a news conference.

As interest in the selection grew, Kennedy faced criticism that she lacked legislative experience - a fact even Paterson noted.

Kennedy last week trailed state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in statewide polls even though Cuomo refuses to say whether he's interested in the appointment by Paterson. Legal scholars question the claim of attorney-client privilege that Cuomo and Paterson have claimed in defense of keeping that information secret.

Still, Kennedy, who is a lawyer, author and education advocate in New York City, has much to offer Paterson and the state, including immediate star power to help bring more federal funds to address the state's fiscal crisis.