The so-called "Hudson River Hero," has been appointed by New York Governor David Patterson to serve in the unexpired seat of Secretary of State Designee Hillary Rodham Clinton. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was called by Patterson "a real life-saver."
The Governor didn't think that the fact that Sullenberger wasn't a native of the state would have any effect on the appointment. "Think about it. Hillary was born in Pennsylvania, reared in Chicago, did time in Massachusetts, Arkansas and DC before buying a house in Chappaqua," Patterson noted.
The Empire State may have to wait, though. Those with the Barack Obama transition team are planning to name Sullenberger as a replacement to NASA's Mike Griffin. Additionally, they'd like to appoint him to head the FAA, Merchant Marines, NOAA's National Hurricane Center and the Department of Commerce.
"We think he could handle it all," said Valerie Jarrett with the Presidential Transition Project.
A spokesman for Sullenberger would not comment on reports that the 57-year old pilot has signed a multi-year, multi-billion dollar contract with Fox Searchlight pictures to develop projects for Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis.
