Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand Chosen for US Senate
January 23, 2009 - 9:13am (Print)
New York Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be announced as Sen. Hillary Clinton's replacement at noon today, CNN reports.
"Among the considerations Paterson used in selecting Gillibrand were that she is a woman and she is from upstate New York, sources said. Both those factors could help Paterson when he runs for election as governor next year," writes CNN.
Gillibrand is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of conservative Democrats, and she represents a traditionally Republican district. She is a strong proponent of gun rights. However, she has a 100% rating from both the ACLU and NARAL Pro-Choice New York.
"Like her predecessor Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Gillibrand has shown herself to be an ally and advocate for New York and for women across the country, co-sponsoring legislation to ensure access to and funding for contraception," stated Kelli Conlin, president of NARAL Pro-Choice New York.
"She is a strong proponent of gun rights. However, she has a 100% rating from both the ACLU and NARAL Pro-Choice New York."
Some of us pro-choice liberals are also strong proponents of gun rights.
Unfortunately, it looks as though Gillibrand's record on GLBT rights could be better.
What a shame. I would prefer her to be a pro-life democrat than a pro-gun one.
No lets be honest, you would have preferred someone that fell lock step with what you believed in end of story. Anyone that wouldn't fall directly into line with your beliefs would not be qualified in your eyes. I pay someone a million dollars to find a candidate that would satisfy you who didn't believe in EVERYTHING that you did.
I for one am glad to read that she has remained steadfastly pro-choice - as for hunting and guns - I only hope she modifies her position to reflect the greater interests of all NY State and its large urban centers.
I think Carolyn Maloney or Carolyn McCarthy would have been better choices.
I've met her before she was a big name and I have to say she is very genuine and very friendly. I think any position she holds is within good reason for her and any positions she held within her large upstate district reflected the constituents there, which is the way it is supposed to be. I'm so sick of extreme leftists making it an all or nothing deal. I used to consider myself a Liberal Democrat until I realized (just like the people that are bashing Kirsten) that extreme liberals are just as close minded as their Conservative foes. Senator Gillibrand will do a great job!
I am an American so I have a right to have a gun. Thanks!
I am glad that they picked someone from upstate New York. Upstate is under - represented most of the time.
