Spin cycle: blog

In January, New York's Democratic senators will move up on the seniority list in an institution that rewards longevity with deference and plum assignments.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has risen quickly since her January 2009 appointment, aided by other senators retiring, taking other jobs or dying. At the start of her first full six-year term next year, Gillibrand will be 67th on the seniority list, up from 81st.

Sen. Charles Schumer, in his third term, will start next year at 27th on the list, up from 38th.

-- Tom Brune