Spitzer's attack prompts Gillibrand shot back

Ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer is criticizing the Senate choice of his successor.

Spitzer told WAMC radio that he wouldn't have appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton because her "views on issues are either wrong or too malleable."

Spitzer said in the interview that Gillibrand has failed to speak her mind and "make tough decisions on critical issues relating to the economy, civil rights, issues of crime and punishment, guns, same-sex marriage."

Gillibrand spokesman Glen Caplin suggested Spitzer's comments were sour grapes, since she "was among the first Democrats to say he would need to step down" following revelations that he frequented a prostitution ring.

Gov. David Paterson says Gillibrand has "great ability" and "is evolving like most people who represent a small district do when they go to a large district."