By Janine Stankus
Staff Reporter
Kirsten Gillibrand is launching efforts to keep potential usurpers at bay. The newly appointed senator is preparing to protect her seat from New York State Democrats who hope to challenge her during a possible 2010 primary election.
On March 29, Gillibrand brought her fund raising campaign to Rhinebeck, where she spoke about her policies. She began, however, by addressing the March 26 New York Times article that publicized her experience working as a young lawyer for Phillip Morris cigarette company.
The move shocked many, but Gillibrand shrugged it off. “They don’t know me. They think I must be this strange hick from upstate New York,” she said. “But they will get to know me. I’m not worried about this.”
An Albany native, Gillibrand formerly represented the largely rural/suburban 20th district in Congress. Now, with the entire urban-concentrated population of the state represent, certain issues, like gun control, are sensitive.
“We (in the district) don’t have the problem of gang violence,” Gillibrand pointed out. However, she claimed to be working on bills that will keep the guns off the streets in areas where this is a greater issue. “I believe in the second amendment, but I also believe that weapons should not be available to criminals,” she remarked.
Gillibrand is also taking up the interests of the New York’s immigrant population. She recently wrote a bill requesting a moratorium on the aggressive home raids conducted by down state police.
On the economic front, Gillibrand, like many politicians, promotes investment in new energy and technology. She also supports major infrastructure projects, like the proposed high-speed rail system that will connect New York City to upstate regions. Plans for this project, she said, should be in place by December.
The senator also anticipates a second round of federal stimulus money. “My prediction is that we will do another investment in infrastructure and technology in about nine to twelve months,” she stated.
Gillibrand takes seriously the checks and balances role that the legislative branch fulfils. She explained that she voted against the TARP (Troubles Assets Relief Program) because it lacked a “mechanism to shift the bill.”
“Our constitution requires that we provide oversight and accountability,” she declared. “If we don, then our democracy doesn’t work.”
Gillibrand may be running a crowded race in 2010. Already, New York City Democrats Caroline Maloney, Scott Stinger and Jerrold Nadler have expressed interest in the seat. Long Islanders Steve Israel, Caroline McCarthy, and John Cooper have also mentioned running.
New York State Governor David Patterson appointed Gillibrand at the end of January to fill the seat vacated by current Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Naturally, some were opposed to the decision, but her supporters firmly believe that she is right for the job.
Geraldine Laybourne, founder of Oxygen Media, spoke at the Rhinebeck event. “We wanted a strong smart woman to follow a strong smart woman,” she said, praising Gillibrand’s abilities. Only time will tell if Gillibrand indeed has the strength, intellect, and the funds to keep her seat out of the hands of Democrats who are not so gushing.