The race to succeed Hillary Clinton as New York junior senator has already attracted a cast that includes every major Democratic politician in the state. Among them is Congressman Joe Crowley from Queens, who brings to the table a formidable array of advantages. Governor David Paterson will make the appointment with a clear eye on the 2010 governor's race when he may face a tough Republican opponent such as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Paterson will want a strong Senate running mate when that happens, and Crowley certainly fits the bill. As boss of the Queens political machine Crowley is a fundraising and political campaigning dynamo. The Queens machine can help deliver key suburban areas to Paterson where he runs weakest. Against Crowley is the fact that he is another New York City politician at a time when there is a clamor from upstate New York to have one of their own elected. As an Irish Catholic Crowley may well face opposition too because it is widely perceived in top Democratic circles that Democrats need to have a statewide Hispanic in a major office soon. That plan may come unglued, however, as Bronx Borough President Adolofo Carrion, who is the leading Hispanic statewide, may well be tapped to become Housing and Urban Development Secretary, according to news reports. In Crowley's favor is his excellent working relationship with Senator Chuck Schumer, who may also have a strong say in who succeeds Clinton after she's confirmed as secretary of state. Schumer is himself a product of the Brooklyn/Queens machine and Crowley has always been a close political friend. If Crowley were to succeed, of course, he might have a readymade replacement in Congress. His cousin Elizabeth Crowley was recently elected to the New York City Council.