Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Gillibrand considered too moderate by progressives. . .

[wndycty]

. . .when she was appointed?

To that I end I wonder if Harold Ford is a stalking horse positioned to make her more popular with the left.

Am I right that when she was appointed many progressives weren't happy?

[mdmc]

1. imho

you are correct on both counts

Ford = no primary

So far there is no progressive challenge yet..

[Zynx]

2. She has tacked fairly hard to the left as a Senator so far.

That has also probably changed the progressive estimation of her.

[Canuckistanian]

19. And that's a very rare quality these days

Most Dem politicians do the very opposite.

[sandnsea]

3. Yes

And maybe. Not a bad strategy to wake these people up to how far right the teabag right really is.

[amerikat]

4. She's my Senator and I like her a lot.

She's right in there dealing with her constituents concerns. She
knows that the local farmers need help. She is focused, reliable,
and trustworthy. She will get my vote.

[amerikat]

6. To add....this is a very conservative district.

She hunts and shoots. Which has big pull for a dem in a conservative district.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. I'm downstate, and I like her, too. She's as good as it gets...

addressing upstate and downstate concerns.

[amerikat]

10. She is from her district. That means much to me.

It's a weird district. But she is in tune with it all. She will get my vote.

[Captain Hilts]

16. She's done well.

ER: Wish I were alive and that these machines were still in use so that I could vote for her...

[shopgreen]

5. Do you identify yourself as a progressive? Just curious as you

seem to be speaking of another group other than your self.

[wndycty]

18. I actually identify myself as a progressive. . .

. . .when it comes to ideology very far to the left, HOWEVER when it comes to governing/politics very pragmatic and that turns a lot of self proclaimed "true progressives" off.

[TreasonousBastard]

7. That's true. There was a huge cry to primary her when she...

was appointed. I wasn't one of them, and suspected she'd turn out be be OK. I thought a primary challenge would be disastrous under any circumstances.

She's got Schumer as a mentor and she's proven to be a bright, hardworking, quite liberal, advocate for New York and all the real challengers have been given offers they can't refuse. I unapologetically brag that I was right about her all along.

Ford came here with a job on Wall Street, and it's his new Wall Street BFFE's pushing the primary challenge. I really, really, hope TPTB here keep him off a primary ballot, because even though he has little chance of winning, it would be expensive, ugly, and a waste of money and energy.

[HughMoran]

9. Doesn't matter - nothing will ever be good enough for many who use the term "progressive"

Doesn't matter - it's all about being "edgy" and "ahead of the curve" for the people you're thinking of. Attention whores or rageaholics is more appropriate IMO.

[xchrom]

13. Dear Mr Huge Moron -- why would progressives be unhappy

That some one turns out to be more liberal than
they campaign?

If that could only be true for those actually campaign
to the left. Like our 'fierce advocate' president.

[treestar]

15. Because they still don't go far enough to the left?

:shrug:

Because I wouldn't put it past them.

[treestar]

17. +1000

It's the oh I'm so superior cynicism that is so "cool."

[FLAprogressive]

11. who knows where she actually stands on anything. she did a complete 180 on many positions when she

was appointed.

[lurky]

12. I thought she was too conservative. She has pleasantly surprised me.

Now that she has moved from a conservative, rural, upstate district to a state-wide office, it seems she has adjusted her politics to suit. I don't like the cynical way politicians do that, but I can't argue with the results in this case. Unfortunately, Paterson did the exact opposite when he went from Harlem to the governor's office, but that's another story...

As far as Ford goes, I think he just wants to be a Senator and decided it ain't gonna happen in Tennessee.

[Captain Hilts]

14. She's turned left now that she's representing more than a conservative district. nt