Net Miles Of Smiles

WASHINGTON - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called the economic crisis her top priority after she took the oath of office Monday in her sudden and unexpected transformation from little-known upstate congresswoman to appointed heir to Hillary Rodham Clinton as junior senator from New York.

Responding to critics, Gillibrand defended her opposition to the financial bailout, comprehensive immigration legislation and gun control measures in detail. But she also hinted she might be open to possibly shifting her positions.

On the bailout, she said she’d listen to President Barack Obama’s advisers and said, “We’ll see.” On immigration legislation, she said, “I’ll have to review it.” And on gun issues, Gillibrand said she’d seek “areas of common ground.”

At about 12:30 p.m., accompanied by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and watched by her family from the gallery above, Gillibrand walked into the well on the Senate floor to be sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden.

“Congratulations, Senator,” Biden said after the oath.