Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) today said he was “very happy” about the choice of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to be New York’s new Senator, but how far his enthusiasm extended for the centrist lawmaker was unclear.

Asked on “Fox News Sunday” by host Chris Wallace whether she was the best choice that New York Gov. David Paterson (D) could have made, Schumer replied that she’s a “great choice.” And asked whether he would support her expected candidacy in 2010, Schumer said he did not want to make a primary endorsement this far in advance.

Nevertheless, he called her a hard worker and lauded her intelligence, saying he had “every expectation of supporting” her candidacy.

On the same show, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he does not plan to be a “rubber stamp” for the policies of President Barack Obama. McCain said he is opposed to most provisions in the stimulus bill and would vote against it as it currently stands.

McCain asserted it was “a bit disingenuous” of Obama to make an immediate exception to newly instated ethics laws by appointing Raytheon Co. lobbyist William Lynn III to be deputy secretary of Defense. But he indicated he would nevertheless support the choice.

McCain also said he has no second thoughts about choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) to be his running mate in his failed candidacy for the presidency last year. Palin’s performance in the early going of the campaign was widely panned, and many believe she may have cost him votes.