New York's new United States senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, is meeting with leaders in the western part of the state as part of her continuing get-acquainted tour.
The former Albany-area congresswoman who was sworn in Tuesday met in Buffalo Saturday with Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins, and others.
All praised Gillibrand as a quick study who knows about upstate New York's challenges.
Gillibrand left Buffalo for a swing through Rochester.
The weekend trip comes a week after Gov. David Paterson surprised many by naming Gillibrand to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Senate.
Caroline Kennedy had been the apparent favorite until she dropped out of the running.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
