–updated–
Paterson is doing as expected according to reports yesterday. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be appointed to Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat. I’ve been out this morning, but it becomes official at noon today, when Paterson is expected to make the announcement.
The N.R.A. backed her to help her win her seat, and she’s not been exactly enthusiastic (h/t American Prospect) about gay rights, but recently came out in favor of gay marriage, which her fans are trumpeting. TNR has more. As gun owners, we stay miles away from the N.R.A., an organization that wouldn’t know a responsible gun law even if it was approved by the whole town. She also voted in favor of the laws repealing the prohibition of possessing semiautomatics in D.C. Gillibrand comes from a conservative district in New York, with few thinking she can win re-election. But she opposed TARP, so she’s not stupid. One thing is certain, however, is that there will be a primary fight for her seat.
Oh, and let me add, she isn’t Miss Popularity.
“Nobody really likes her,” said one New York City-area member, speaking on condition of anonymity.”She’s smart and capable but she’s rubbed people the wrong the way,” said another.
“I think she’s going to get a serious primary in 2010,” opined a longtime state Democratic operative who supports Gillibrand. …
UPDATE: Obama statement on appointment:
“Governor Paterson made a wonderful choice in appointing Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton’s seat in the United States Senate. I am confident that she will continue Secretary Clinton’s distinguished service to the people of New York and to our country.
“During her career, Kirsten has been a strong voice for transparency and reform in government and shares the belief that government should be open, accessible and work for all of our citizens. In Congress and as special counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, she worked to strengthen public and private partnerships to invest in infrastructure and New York’s economy.
“At this time of great challenge, I know that Kirsten has the integrity, character, and dedication to public service to help us achieve our greatest goals,” said President Obama.
testing…
Okay, so got a couple of emails that comments weren’t working. Seems to be okay from here.
Taylor, when I clicked on one of the headline articles, it just opened up another window of your homepage.
We’ll see if this posts.
Yup, it made it. The article about Kerry and Gore is now missing. Hmmmm.
While I thought Carolyn Maloney would have been a good choice, I think Kirsten Gillibrand should be given a chance. I predict she will move toward the left on her stands on the issues, as she will have the freedom to do so now as a representative of the whole state vs. a smaller, conservative area. But we will see. There’s nothing wrong with a primary – it’s democracy.
There is probably enough blame to go around on all sides of the Kennedy debacle but I think Paterson was under a huge amount of pressure to choose Caroline. He may very well pay the price for exercizing some independence. Also, Senator Schumer wanted Gillibrand, I believe.
Velvet | 01.23.2009 – 11:40 am | #
Changed the headlines that’s all. That news about Gore was sent directly to me, so I didn’t have a link.
Am I the only one, Caroline aside, that thinks Paterson botched this appointment? The extended drama and the speculation were absurd.
Taylor: I know it’s off topic but were the missile strikes in Pakistan directly authorized by Obama? Is that how it works?
There is no evidence that a policy shift on Pakistan re: these strikes has been ordered. Likely the military is just continuing their standing orders, though no doubt Obama was briefed.
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.23.2009 – 12:21 pm | #
thanks.
If I hear anything else, I’ll let you know, GeoT.
By the way, foreign policy comments/questions are never off topic around here!
Maybe we’ve never paid attention before to a transition, but there are things that were ordered and approved before 1/20, and the Bushies are doubtless trying to get as much as they can done before Obama can get his Undersecretaries in and a lot of the new staff.
I think Kennedy botched it for Paterson. Payback sucks!
He clearly didn’t pick her.
She made sure it was a painful rejection.
After having watched the press conference on our local channel, I think Gillibrand will be fine. I don’t agree with her on all of the issues, but enough of them to be satisfied. She is going to move to the left on gun issues. She is articulate and I think very ambitious, also has a good knowlege of finances and Wall Street as she was a securities lawyer. She explained her vote on the bailout fully and with knowledge. Chuck Schumer and Hillary (if she has time) will mentor her. She is okay with me. We will see how she does. Time will tell.
Obama called right in the middle of the press conference to congratulate Gillibrand. She took the phone to talk to him. It was funny.
Obama called right in the middle of the press conference to congratulate Gillibrand. She took
the phone to talk to him. It was funny.
lynnette | 01.23.2009 – 4:21 pm | #
only knock on her I’ve heard is that she’s pro-NRA
GeoT, She is going to have to move to the left on the gun issues. She addressed it in the press conference.
Statement of Hillary Rodham Clinton
Today I congratulate Kirsten Gillibrand on her appointment by Governor Paterson to serve as Senator from New York. Kristen is an intelligent and dedicated public servant and a dear friend. I’m pleased that this seat, which has been my great honor to hold, and which has in its history been held by leaders like former Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Robert F. Kennedy, will be in such capable hands. And I look forward to working with Senator Gillibrand as we meet the challenges and seize the opportunities facing New York, our nation and the world.
Carol Duhart | Homepage | 01.23.2009 – 1:52 pm | #
Welcome and thanks for chiming in. good points.