NY-Sen: Ten NY House Dems Warn State Party Chair Off Gillibrand

[ccharles000]

David Paterson's mistake gets uglier by the day:

Ten New York House members are warning state Party chairwoman June O'Neill not to use party resources to help promote Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a potential primary next year. ...
Sources said this morning that the concern stems from the party sending out emails that included articles about Gillibrand's re-election bid next year, but nothing about the other candidates considering a run.

The signatories:

Tim Bishop (NY-01)
Steve Israel (NY-02)
Carolyn McCarthy (NY-04)
Jerrold Nadler (NY-08)
Yvette Clark (NY-11)
Nydia Velázquez (NY-12)
Carolyn Maloney (NY-14)
Jose Serrano (NY-16)
Maurice Hinchey (NY-22)
Eric Massa (NY-29)

Personally, I think the idea of the state party not helping the incumbent is a bit ridiculous, though obviously a few somewhat influential members of Congress (and a passel of backbenchers) disagree. On the other hand, how much help can the New York State Democratic Party actually offer a sitting senator?

I guess perceptions are probably what's most at stake here - anyone considering a challenge (or worried that the too-conservative Gillibrand might be getting too comfortable) doesn't want the conventional wisdom to congeal around the idea that she's untouchable. This seat might be safely blue in a general election, but this intra-party split is unpleasant in the extreme. (And note that it's not just upstate-vs.-city - Hinchey and Massa signed the letter, too.)

The full letter is available at the link above.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4593

[babylonsister]

1. Shouldn't the state party support all the Dems who want to run?

Or narrow down the field? Is the incumbent usually picked?

[960]

8. No. No. Yes.

[rwheeler31]

2. Some know she is a stealth Republican.

[Thrill]

3. Wow. Why are they so tough on her? She's been good so far

It appears they don't trust her.

[PBS Poll-435]

5. Caroline Kennedy wasn't chosen

:shrug:

[ShadowLiberal]

7. Yeah, she hasn't even crossed party lines on anything even semimajor has she?

About the only reason I've seen to possibly not support her is a poll of her against a former republican governor of NY (I forget his name) putting the former governor just 4 points behind Gillibrand. But to be fair, 1) from what I've read here that republican governor left office extremely unpopular, and 2) Most (like 70% or more) still don't really have an opinion on Gillibrand one way or the other, or they don't know who she is.

[Adelante]

4. She's not an incumbent

She was appointed to complete one term. After that, she runs in an election along with everyone else.

[babylonsister]

6. You're right! Thanks-case closed. nt

[Danger Mouse]

9. I'm so sick of my own state.

Why don't they put McCarthy in the seat instead so they can have a real DINO.

[liskddksil]

10. I really hope Maloney runs

She's a member of the Progressive Caucus in the House and would be a great Senator.