Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, was sworn in as New York’s junior Senator on Tuesday, Jan. 27, just prior to the legislative body going into recess. Her appointment by Gov. David Paterson brought to an end weeks of speculation on who would replace the new Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Paterson announced his pick at a noontime conference on Friday, Jan. 23.
I didn’t ask for this responsibility, but it is my privilege and honor to execute our state statute this afternoon, said Paterson. `I believe I have found the best candidate to become the United States senator from New York.`
Gillibrand acknowledged that she has not been in the forefront of discussion about Clinton’s replacement.
`I realize that for many New Yorkers, this is the first time you’ve heard my name and you don’t know much about me,` said Gillibrand. `Over the next two years you will get to know me, and more importantly, I will get to know you.`
Between her being named as Paterson’s pick and her swearing in, Gillibrand has engaged in an impromptu `listening tour,` said her spokeswoman Rachel McEneny. Stops have already been made in the New York City area, and she will soon head to Western New York and Long Island in the coming weeks.
`While most senatorial offices have three months to do a Senate transition, we have two days,` she said. `It’s been a mad rush meeting with folks from all communities.`
At Friday’s ceremony, Gillibrand briefly outlined her plans for her time in the U.S. Senate, of which she will have at least two years until a special election in 2010, when it will be decided who will fill out the final two years of Clinton’s term. The federal government’s stimulus package was on the top of her list.
`We are all painfully aware that New York has been hit by this recession,` said Gillibrand. `I intend to listen to all my constituents, and all my colleagues in government, to be a part of this solution.`
She said she also wants to make infrastructure improvements, most notably the construction of a high-speed rail across the state.
`It is the best investment that we can make in the next decade,` she said. `Those infrastructure investments can make a difference.`
Gillibrand also called for middle-class tax cuts, education tax credits, a greater share of Medicaid payment from the federal government and investment in energy solutions.
She also plans to ask to keep her House committee assignments in the Senate ` armed services and agriculture.
Gillibrand won her second bid to represent New York’s 20th Congressional District in November, taking a healthy percentage of the vote in the Republican-leaning district. The 42-year-old mother of two served in the Department of Housing and Urban Development during President Clinton’s years (under Andrew Cuomo, whose name often appeared on a short list of potential candidates for Paterson) and was assisted in her first election by top Clinton advisor Howard Wolfson.
Clinton and Gillibrand have campaigned and raised money for one another in previous elections, and Gillibrand largely attributed her entrance into politics to a speech Clinton gave in China while first lady.
She is a member of the exclusive group of Blue Dog Democrats, a consortium of fewer than 50 Democratic House members whose political stances are right leaning. Gillibrand secured votes in the 20th partly because of her conservative positions on gun control, stem cell research and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. She was also a strong supporter of 2008’s Farm Bill.
Gillibrand resides in Hudson with her husband and two sons. She gave birth to her youngest child, Henry, last year.
Her win against four-term incumbent John Sweeney in 2006 gave credence to her political savvy, as she rolled out what was a well-run, well-funded campaign for a first-time candidate. More than one political pundit was taken by surprise that November when she won by six points.
Though the former New York City lawyer has not made Downstate issues part of her political life`and has drawn some fire from members of her party for it`on Friday she pledged to work for the whole state, not just her former district.
`I will look for ways to find common ground between Upstate and Downstate,` she said, specifically mentioning working to reduce gun violence while persevering hunters’ rights.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-Brooklyn, who backed Gillibrand for the post, applauded the fact that Paterson chose an Upstate representative.
`The problems of Upstate are critical to our whole state,` he said. `Having someone who is actually from Upstate is a huge plus.`
`She has a reputation as a go-to person,` he continued. `If you have an issue in her district, go to Kirsten Gillibrand and she’ll get things done.`
Other Downstate Democrats have decried Gillibrand’s selection, however, pointing to her NRA `A` rating and gun rights advocacy. Long Island Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy ` an outspoken gun control advocate ` is reportedly already putting together a run against Gillibrand in 2010.
McEneny said that with time, Gillibrand will prove herself to those who aren’t familiar with her politics or accomplishments.
`We will be reaching out to many of those people,` she said. `I think that what many people in the 20th Congressional liked about their representative was her accessibility and her ability to look at the whole district.`
Early on, many speculated that Caroline Kennedy would be sent to the Senate in the one-vote election. Though early polls showed that New Yorkers favored her, several unflattering interviews and an otherwise botched campaign rollout soured the public on her. She withdrew from consideration early on Thursday, citing an unnamed `personal reason.`
Partly due to the magnitude of the media coverage surrounding Kennedy’s bid, Gillibrand’s name was rarely uttered in talks of who would replace Clinton, who was sworn in as Secretary of State on Wednesday. Paterson made a policy of rebuffing any talk of the choice, often admonishing those who engaged in speculation.
Gillibrand could help Paterson in many ways, though. Now having both inherited their offices, they will be facing reelection in 2010. Though a young up-and-comer, Gillibrand has already won favor with many in Upstate New York and is a woman, perhaps winning Paterson favor in key demographics.
Paterson dismissed such assumptions.
`This decision was not based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or regional base. This decision was based on who was best for the job,` he said at Friday’s ceremony.
A special election will be held in the 20th to select Gillibrand’s replacement.
Many have said that Republicans will have a likely chance of recapturing the seat, given a lack of Democratic candidates who could capture Republican votes as easily as Gillibrand did. Democrats have a healthy lead on Republicans in the House, though.
GOP leadership has made a quick selection in James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, who was formally given the nod by leaders in 10 counties on Tuesday.
The Assembly Minority Leader has more presence in Schenectady County than Saratoga, though his district stretches as far north as the Spa City, where he owns a home. In New York, one does not need to live in a Congressional District to run in it.
Other Republican hopefuls had included Sandy Treadwell, who was defeated by Gillibrand in the recent election, state Sen. Betty Little and former Gubenatorial candidate John Faso.
Democrats who are running or considering a bid include Saratoga County Democratic Committee Chairman Larry Bulman; failed candidate for the 112th Assembly District Mike Russo; Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works Commissioner Ron Kim; and Coxsakie Supervisor Alex Betke. A number of candidates in last year’s crowded race for the 21st District have been mentioned, as well, including Tracey Brooks and Darius Shahinfar.
The timing of the election is entirely up to Paterson. According to Bob Brehm, a spokesman for the NYS Board of Elections, an election will be held within 30 to 40 days from the date the governor issues a proclamation, but Paterson can issue it at any time he chooses.
`There is no deadline scheduled for when he must issue his proclamation,` said Brehm. `It’s at the discretion of the governor.`
If Paterson fails to issue a proclamation, the seat will be decided in the 2010 election.“