The unofficial "race" to replace Hillary Clinton in the New York Senate has become something of a media feeding frenzy ever since political scion Caroline Kennedy threw her hat into the so-called ring. While the voters aren't actually deciding--that's up to Governor David Paterson--opinionmakers are weighing in at a furious pace in anticipation of next week's expected announcement.

The three leading candidates--Kennedy, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and longtime Representative Carolyn Maloney--have all said they are unequivocally in favor of a full range range of reproductive rights for women. The voters of New York are a pro-choice bunch, so there's little risk of losing a vote in the Senate.

While acknowledging Cuomo and Kennedy's name recognition and stated commitment to key issues, many feminists and leading reproductive rights groups nonetheless have an extra reserve of goodwill towards Maloney precisely because of the shoes she'll be filling.  Hillary Clinton was not just a supporter of reproductive rights but a constant and a fierce advocate, her staunch and spirited opposition to the Bush administrations abhorrent HHS "conscience clause" regulations being a pertinent example.

Maloney a Favorite Among Feminists

Many in the reproductive justice community hope that Maloney, who has pioneered groundbreaking pro-women work in Congress and chaired the Women's Caucus, will step up and assume the same kind of leadership role in the senate that Clinton had.

One of Maloney's best-known contributions was the Debbie Smith Act, which sped up the processing of rape-kit DNA testing, enabling the government to effectively prosecute rapists. She has also been a staunch supporter of US funding for the UN Population Fun (UNPFA), a champion for equal wages and has raised her voice against sexual assault in the military. Maloney has kept tabs on Congress votes pertaining to reproductive choice to keep the electorate informed with a "choice scorecard." Her recently-published book, "Rumors of Our Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: Why Women's Lives Aren't Getting Any Easier" details triumphs and goals yet unmet in the quest for women's equality: clearly, this is the fight of her life.

That's why so many feminist organizations and prominent women's advocates in New York including NOW, and the Feminist Majority have thrown their weight behind Maloney.  There's also a sense that she's been tested in the field, particularly as opposed to Kennedy, who has no political experience beyond fundraising for public schools and campaigning for Obama.

Pros and Cons on Kennedy

Katha Pollitt wrote a satirical column asking Paterson to appoint her as a way of pushing back against Kennedy's "campaign":

You think I'm joking, but every argument that has been advanced for Kennedy is just as true for me. She's a mother, a writer, a person with no electoral experience or, so far as we know, longstanding interest in acquiring any--me too! She has more kids; I've written more books--I'd say it averages out. 

Pollitt and Gloria Steinem, among others, have floated the idea that if Kennedy wants to dip her foot into the pool of public life, she ought to encourage Paterson to appoint Maloney, then run for Maloney's vacated seat--which happens to be in Kennedy's Upper East Side district.

Others have been more open to Kennedy, who has avowed her support for choice and Roe, as a possibility. Several prominent writers, including Lisa Belkin, have said that the attacks on Kennedy's lack of political experience are gendered because Kennedy prioritized her family over her career.  But on a policy level others have pointed out Kennedy's unique qualifications. Dana Goldstein wrote in TAPPED back in December that Kennedy's powerful network and compelling name will be an advantage in:

Kennedy, on the other hand, though completely new to legislation, will be surrounded by the highest-caliber staff members and enjoy a direct line to the president, to whom she awarded a crucial mid-primary endorsement.

 
These considerations are important: Clinton's replacement will have a relatively hampered position as the most junior senator, so the hope that Kennedy's clout might enable her to rise above the constrictions of her role and effect positive change are not unfounded.

Cuomo: Staunch Supporter

As for Cuomo, when he ran for AG in 2006, he received 100% ratings from pro-choice groups and posited himself as an unflinching supporter of reproductive rights in the tradition of his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer. A thorough search through his press archives show no initiatives or drives directly related to reproductive rights, abortion or contraception specifically in the past two years. He has, however, been a zealous advocate of health insurance reform, and even stepped in to aid a breast cancer patient who couldn't secure insurance. This experience could be helpful in the upcoming battle for universal health care.

Cuomo, who benefits from his family name just as Kennedy does (dad was Governor Mario) has also raised concerns because his appointment would lower the number of women senators. Nonetheless, he recently overtook his rival in public opinion polls. A survey taken earlier this week found Cuomo with 31% support, Kennedy with 24% and Maloney with 6. But Paterson has said that such polls won't sway his decision.

Ultimately, New York will get a committed pro-choice, pro-reproductive rights senator. All three candidates have strong advantages, but  Maloney has the most proven track record on choice, and has demonstrated a thorough understanding of many issues under the reproductive justice umbrella. It would be a heartening tribute to Senator Clinton's legacy and a gift to the women of New York to see this kind of work continue in her absence.