So You Want to Be a Senator? Answer 28 Pages of Questions (NYT 1/5)

[Muttocracy]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/nyregion/06disclosure.html

So You Want to Be a Senator? Answer 28 Pages of Questions

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE
Published: January 5, 2009

Candidates hoping to be appointed to the United States Senate by Gov. David A. Paterson are being asked to divulge details about their finances, job history and any criminal record, a spokeswoman for Mr. Paterson confirmed on Monday.

At least six contenders for the seat have received copies of a 28-page questionnaire, including Caroline Kennedy, whose finances have faced media scrutiny in recent weeks, in part because of reports that she had been allowed to sidestep routine disclosure requirements for New York City officials when she held a senior post at the Department of Education.

Others who have received the questionnaire include Representatives Steve Israel, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Jerrold L. Nadler, as well as Thomas R. Suozzi, the Nassau County executive. The form appears to be similar to one filled out by executive branch job applicants; they were mailed to the Senate aspirants early last week and are due back on Thursday.

Mr. Israel described the form as essentially indicating “you are being considered by the governor for the position, enclosed are 28 pages. Fill them out.”

It asks those interested in filling the seat of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton — who has been nominated to become the United States secretary of state — to detail their employment history, any criminal record and any loans or back taxes they owe.

The governor’s spokeswoman, Risa B. Heller, would not say how many people had been sent the questionnaires, citing the confidentiality of Mr. Paterson’s selection process. She also said that the completed forms would not be subject to Freedom of Information of laws because they contained private personal information.

A spokesman for Ms. Kennedy, Stefan Friedman, said, “Caroline has consistently said that she will file any financial disclosure that the governor requests of her.”