Governor David Paterson surprised many (and angered some on the left) with his choice of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand as New York's next Senator.
Caroline Kennedy and Andrew Cuomo had been the presumed favorites, but Kennedy withdrew her name abruptly earlier this week and Cuomo never actually claimed interest in the seat.
Gillibrand represents a Congressional District which stretches north from Westchester County, up the Hudson Valley through Albany, and into the North Country. The district has a high percentage of Republican enrolled voters and Gillibrand is considered a "blue dog" Democrat. She has associations with Al D'Amato and George Pataki as well as the Albany Democratic political machine which was led by Erastus Corning. Gillibrand is also supported by the NRA.
While her choice is being met with cautious optimism by many Republicans, the liberal left is none too pleased. The dailyKos is particularly full of unhappy commentary. Many NY Democrats are unhappy as well, but most of their fire is aimed at the Governor, who they feel bungled the selection process. other critics were upset that the Governor's office allowed word to leak that one of the reasons Kennedy dropped out may have been a tax problem.
The chairman of the NY GOP, Joe Mondello, predictably blasted Gillibrand as inexperienced and unqualified to handle NY's interests in this very dangerous time. Frankly, his comments offend me. I realize that we Republicans would prefer someone else as our Senator. We don't control the Statehouse, however, so I think we should be content with an Upstate moderate Democrat. Further, the immediate knee-jerk criticism that Mondello spouted is the kind of thing that always puts people off. Lets give her a chance. We are free to criticise actions or inaction that deserves criticism. I just can't accept baseless, partisan shots before the woman is even sworn in.
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3 comments:
Having semi-retired from expousing about politics Dinglefritz wanted to respond to this blog having read Mr. Mondello's response in today's paper.
While I, at the present time, do not know enough about Ms. Gillibrand to make an opinion about her future success I do heartily agree with what you wrote. Especially the last paragraph because I, also, am sick and tired of people on either side of the fence who come out and slam someone with their typical left or right leaning garbage before the person even has the chance for their heiny to warm the seat. She must be doing something right as she was re-elected by a wide margin in her district which leans heavily republican. Republicans should have lauded her selection, or at least expressed cautious optimism about it, as she seems to share some of their ideals. She seems to be someone who will work well with both sides of the aisle. Maybe with more centrist thinking people in office more will get done for this nation.
She's another pro-choice, pro-contraception, pro-civil union and maybe even gay marriage "Catholic" foisted on us by the Democratic Party.
She does have a record - in Congress. In fact, she earned a 100 rating from the extremist abortion group NARAL - that tells you a lot.
Lee:
I wasn't trying to suggest that Ms. Gillibrand has a record and views which I would unequivocally support.
My point is that she is a Democrat and we live in a very Blue state. Your description could apply to almost every Democrat who was considered. At least there are a couple of points in her record that can legitimately called moderate.
Plus, she is from Upstate; at least she can probably find Rochester on a map.
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