Schumer Tries to Block Primary for Gillibrand

[jefferson_dem]

Schumer Tries to Block Primary for Gillibrand

The New York Times says Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is working hard to avoid a primary for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) next year. In the process, he is "surprising and angering her rivals in the party."

Said Schumer at a recent fundraisier: "There is not going to be a primary!"

"Longtime advisers to Mr. Schumer said that he likes the fact that Ms. Gillibrand is open to his guidance and is deferential... In addition, Mr. Schumer -- who close associates say harbors ambitions to someday be the Senate majority leader -- has elevated his profile by helping his party pull off a string of Senate victories, and he feels personally responsible for blocking Republicans from capturing a seat in his state."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/05/08/schumer_tries_to_block_primary_for_gillibrand.html

[babylonsister]

1. Not very sporting of him. I'd like to see her challenged, and may

the best person win.

[ClarkUSA]

2. If it was "Obama Tries To Block Primary For Specter"/"Reid Tries To Block Primary For Specter"...

... or "Pelosi Tries To Block Primary For Murtha," there'd be 200 replies of pitchfork outrage and 158 recs by now.
I guess that should tell us something about the political leanings of the contingent that screams the loudest around
here.

[vaberella]

7. Took the words right out of my mouth. Not that I'm much of a Reid fan.n/t

[w4rma]

12. I like Reid better than I like Schumer. Schumer always seems to come down on the side of big banks.

And, I'm not fond of his support of more and more gun control.

[vaberella]

25. True..however he's an advocate on immigration reform.

When it comes to immigrants he's on their side which is why I continuously support him even though at times he's a bit to big for his britches. As for the gun control...meh...NYC is over run by them. We got major gun issues here.

[w4rma]

27. I don't support amnesty, either. (nt)

[ShadowLiberal]

10. Perhaps because Gillibrand is more popular then those people around here

I will say early on I wasn't too sure about Gillibrand, but then I kind of got over it, I can't even think of a single vote she's cast in the senate on a major issue in which she voted opposite of the Obama/democratic agenda. Also, since the only issue she disagrees with the party on that I know of is guns, and gun issues rarely come up for a vote, it's easy to forget about that and anger her stance on guns. Gillibrand's also moved to the left on some things since being appointed senator, like gay marriage.

The other two candidates you mention however, have done more to anger people. Murtha is giving the party a bad name with all of his corruption, which can hurt democrats all over the country, while Specter hasn't really moved to the left on anything since switching parties.

[Raine1967]

21. Gillibrand is more of a Dem than Arlen is.

I liked your post. I understood the mistrust about her -- but seriously -- she is a dem ...


And she 'moved' --- I like her -- always did.

[MessiahRp]

31. You were the second reply....

Not giving this thread enough time to develop... and yes it is an outrage. Schumer's DSCC and the DCCC when Rahm ran it purposely railroaded liberal candidates out of primaries by endorsing and financing DLC/Blue Dog candidates and making them inevitable. They are corrupting the part and making it impossible to actually have any real form of Democracy in the Democratic Party.

In the end it's assholes like Schumer that are creating these large swaths of traitors that line up to oppose our Democratic President and Democratic values at every turn.

Rp

[AtomicKitten]

3. Gillibrand has hooked onto the teat of the Dem Party machine.

Most Impressive Fundraising Totals, Incumbent Division

2. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York ($2,347,245). Raising money in New York isn't much more difficult than finding a good slice of pizza. Nevertheless, this is a tidy sum to raise for someone whom the general public feels quite ambivalently about. As elements of the Democratic establishment begin to consolidate around Gillibrand, it may discourage challenges both from the left and the right.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/04/senate-fundraising-all-stars.html

[KittyWampus]

13. any comments you care to make about her actual record since moving to Senate?

yeah, I thought not. I'm sure you have no clue.

[Lord Helmet]

19. Schumer's got that blue dog on a short leash.

[AtomicKitten]

29. ((oops))

wrong person, sorry

[AtomicKitten]

30. I tend to be wary of political makeovers.

John Edwards did it, went from being a DLC/Iraq War cheerleader to populist virtually overnight. Same with Gillibrand. She has been uber pro gun, supported immigration policy to the right of Lou Dobbs, and was decidedly anti gay rights. And then switcho-chango they are reincarnated into a more palatable candidate for voter consumption.

I tend to be wary of that sort of transformation as it smacks of political opportunism. Although on a carefully scripted pathway now, if Gillibrand wins the election in 2010 and then strays off the reservation, her record indicates she'd trend toward Bayh, not toward Durbin. For NY'ers fine with taking that chance, mazel tov.

But in reference to this OP, I think Schumer has a lot of nerve trying to deep-six a primary challenge. The people of NY should have options in the primary. Let them decide.

[quiller4]

33. I know Gillibrand is pro gun and I'm glad of that but I can't

find anything to support your assertion that she is anti-gay. She earned the support from the Empire State Pride Agenda for her early opposition to DOMA. She was a co-sponsor of HR 3685 the Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Act of 2007

She very early announced support for EFCA and co-sponsored the Union Organization Bill HR 800 in 2007. She was an ardent supporter of the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Nothing in her voting record in the House indicates a liklihood to follow Bayh and she alligned with Durbin on mortgage cram down.

My husband's family in upstate New York are big Gillibrand supporters as are most Clinton County Democrats.

[AtomicKitten]

34. She was and may have an LGBT challenger.

Gay Rights Flip-Flopper Sen. Gillibrand to Face 2010 Challenge From Gay Legislator Jon Cooper?

http://www.queerty.com/gay-rights-flip-flopper-sen-gillibrand-to-face-2010-challenge-from-gay-legislator-jon-cooper-20090318/

When Hillary Clinton left her New York senator post, it began a battle that included Caroline Kennedy, Fran Drescher, and the eventual successor Gov. David Paterson appointed, Kirsten Gillibrand. But Gillibrand has only until 2010 to serve, and then she'll face a real election. Mounting a battle for her seat already? Openly gay state Suffolk County legislator Jon Cooper, who says Gillibrand "has not been a strong supporter" on gay rights.

"I consider myself progressive on the important issues," Cooper tells Newsday, while pointing out that his potential opponent made "a 180 degree turnabout" — and we all know flip-flopping on issues can be a political death sentence.

And, well, Cooper is right. Before Gillibrand was a U.S. senator, she was a congresswoman, and in that position she didn't do very much for gay rights. But overnight and with single phone calls, as Queerty reported, she got gay rights organizations to back her by, uh, suddenly changing her position and backing measures like the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

If Cooper (who has five adopted children with partner Rob) does mount a campaign — one that would cost an estimated $20-30 million — and won, he would become the first openly gay senator in the United States. Then again, as Long Island's campaign chairman for Barack Obama, he raised an estimated $1 million for the now-president. And if he runs in 2010, the man in the White House might have to pay some favors owed Cooper, putting our commander-in-chief in the awkward position of choosing between a sitting senator and an old friend.

More unclear, though, is whether the campaign can even get off the ground. The Newsday article is really just a planted seed — to see what sort of traction even the idea of Cooper running might have with fellow Democrats.

[AtomicKitten]

39. On the rebranding of Gillibrand

and to respond to your statement:

Nothing in her voting record in the House indicates a liklihood to follow Bayh and she alligned with Durbin on mortgage cram down.

Actually everything in her record before her Schumer Senate Makeover indicates she could trend Bayh once safe in the seat; they are both Blue Dogs.

Blue Dog Dem with 100% NRA Rating Picked To Replace Clinton
http://www.americablog.com/2009/01/kirsten-gillibrand-chosen-to-fill.html

Gillibrand's Record Shows She's True to the Blue Dog Creed
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/01/gillibrands-record-shows-shes-true-to-the-blue-dog-creed.php

Blue Dog Gillibrand Uses $$$ To Scare Off Opponents
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/3/3/704103/-Blue-Dog-Gillibrand:-Use-$$$-to-scare-off-opponents

[quiller4]

40. I submit the following ratings re her voting record:

100% rating from ACLU
100% rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-choice New York
96% from AFL-CIO
95% from ADA
95% from the League of Conservation Voters
A rating from the NEA
2% rating from the Club for Growth
http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?base_name=a_new_york_mess&month=04&year=2009

Frankly I am just so-o-o-o happy to have a New York Democrat who supports gun rights and labor rights. Find me another "Blue Dog" wwith a better than 90% labor record.

[AtomicKitten]

42. On trade/labor, her pre-makeover record was not good.

On edit: I notice the data you proffered is harvested from a guy named "Tony" in the "Comments" section of the blog you linked to. As far as I know, some guy named Tony isn't considered a reliable source of factual information. Just sayin' for future reference.

Here's what The Nation had to say about Gillibrand's record on trade/labor before her Schumer Makeover:

Labor Should Press Gillibrand On Trade Policy
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/402557/labor_should_press_gillibrand_on_trade_policy

Newly-minted New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is engaged in a political and ideological charm offensive -- moving left from the centrist (and in some cases Republican-lite) position she occupied as a member of the House.

* snip *

It seems that Gillibrand, concerned about the threat of a Democratic primary challenge and the potential loss of progressive support in a fall race, is showing some willingness to move away from her Blue Dog Democrats stances.

Labor unions, which will be key to Gillibrand's success or failure, should seek some clear commitments now on trade policy.

>>>>> As a member of the House, Gillibrand voted with the Bush administration for trade legislation and amendments that were harmful to workers, farmers, the environment and communities in the U.S. and countries with which it trades. <<<<<

* snip *

She needs to be pressed, now, to make a clear commitment to oppose trade deals that disregard human rights, worker rights and the best interests of communities in the U.S. and abroad. And the labor unions that the new senator will soon be asking for endorsements ought not tender them until they are certain Senator Gillibrand will cast more responsible trade vote than did Congresswoman Gillibrand.

>>> I forgot to reply above, but regarding her vote on the cramdown amendment, she waited until the end, until it had already been defeated, and then voted. It was a good vote. It was a safe vote.

[quiller4]

43. Re Labor record.

The 96% Labor record is based on her pre-makeover votes. The AFL-CIO site and Teamsters site both give her the same rating. Change to Win shows her aat 97%. I suppose the difference is rounding. In any case, that gives her a better Labor voting record that a good many Dems that served in the House in 2006-2008.

[AtomicKitten]

44. You must have missed this part:

As a member of the House, Gillibrand voted with the Bush administration for trade legislation and amendments that were harmful to workers, farmers, the environment and communities in the U.S. and countries with which it trades.

Let's hope she flip-flops on trade/labor too, huh?

Like I said upthread, she and Schumer are trying to block a primary challenge, and the best case scenario would be an open primary challenge. That's the essence of democracy.

[Sebastian Doyle]

4. Schumer as Majority Leader?

That almost makes Spineless Reid look good.

Fuck Schumer and any other DLC piece of shit trying to stop primaries. That bastard knows damn well that we want the DINOs gone, and it scares the Hell out of him.

[dorkulon]

8. Schumer is as beholden to Wall St. banks as any Republican.

He cannot be in charge.

[KittyWampus]

14. Gillibrand is not a DINO. So you look pretty foolish in your tirade.

[Raine1967]

22. DINO?

Do you have a clue about NY20?

Seriously --- give the woman a break. you might be pleasantly surprised.

[Raine1967]

23. Sorry-- I quoted the wrong person.

She ain't no DINO.

[ananda]

5. This is bad.

Just let the democratic process work.....

[quiller4]

6. Good for Schumer. Why do we always try to eat out own? n/t

[w4rma]

15. Primaries are always good for the Democratic Party. (nt)

[quiller4]

35. I disagree. I've seen Democratic candidates beat each other

up so badly that the Republican candidate won in a Deocratic-leaning district too often to think it is a good practice to field challengers to Democratic incumbents. In fact, I think it is good practice for County Party organizations to do all they can to discourage primary challenges in such circumstances.

[MessiahRp]

32. Why do you hate Democracy?

Primaries are good in that it can put some of these politicians in their place and remind them of who they work for. EVERY Democratic politician needs to be challenged and if they're worth it, they'll retain their seat.

Rp

[quiller4]

36. I respectfully disagree. There are plenty of ways to remind

elected officials who they work for. The fastest way to close down communications is to file a primary challenge.

[Cha]

9. Tough shit, Schumer..we want a primary.

And Gillibrand can campaign to be our candidate if that's what the People want.

[Lord Helmet]

20. All those appointments should be challenged by the people.

[PBS Poll-435]

11. Interesting... Her votes have been pretty good so far...

And she is one of twenty-two Democrats to sign on to single-payer.


:shrug:

[w4rma]

16. That is a huge plus for her. How has she been on Wall Street vs. Main Street issues? (nt)

[PBS Poll-435]

17. Hard to tell this soon into the 111th

She voted for the AR&R Act in the Senate, and the Auto Industry bailouts in the while in the House.

She also favors Marriage Equality.

[quiller4]

37. She was with Durbin on the cram down. n/t

[burning rain]

18. NY is certainly known for bossed politics....

"clearing the field" for a favored candidate, that sort of thing. Last time I recall a major statewide incumbent there having faced a serious primary challenge, was US Senator Jacob Javits in 1980, who was unhorsed by Al D'Amato (but went on to the general election anyway on the Liberal Party line, where he ended up a very weak third). And Javits, poor guy, had Parkinson's bad, one foot in the grave -- that besides being particularly vulnerable as one of the most liberal Republicans.

[Ken Burch]

28. Javits was good for GOP'er in his day, but he should have withdrawn after the primary

He stopped New York from having Elizabeth Holtzman as Senator, and consigned the state to three freaking terms of D'Amato.

Even though Javits was far closer to Holtzman than D'Amato on the issues.

[saltpoint]

24. You New Yorkers are to be envied for having interesting politics at almost

every level, upstate, downstate, Long Island, plus that big town on Manhattan Island.

Schumer is a hell of a bright guy and a major player in how things unfold, but at the same time this is New York politics and New York pols can excel at sticktoittiveness. There's a ferocity of purpose as a constant.

I would expect some serious elbowing under the basket. Some shoving. Some shoving back.

And also I would expect a primary. I think Gillibrand is not to be written off but I'm not sure even Schumer can scare off challengers.

[TheKentuckian]

26. I think she's a "DINO" for being from New York but not onboard

with the "guns are teh e-vul" crowd and was only pro-civil unions (you know, just ahead of the curve of Average Americans and even a lot of Democrats at the time). In reality she seems to have been a pretty solid overall Democrat. I don't think she should be shielded from a primary but it is more of a principle issue with her being appointed. She should be answerable to the people she represents beyond the Republican option.

[Captain_New_York]

38. Kirsten is the Real Deal

First, don't be mistaken by my low post count, I post so infrequently over the last 8 years I forget my ID all the time

Now about Kirsten, I first met her over 3 years ago when no one gave her a chance against John Sweeney. the NY20 is Gerrymander to capture pockets of registered Republicans from Dutchess County (where workers commute to New York City) all the way to the Canadian Border with a piece going west to Cooperstown. If you can remember, John Sweeney was the guy who led the charge to shut down the counting in Dade County back in 2000, a real piece of work (I could go on about his multiple convictions for DWI, assault on his multiple wives, etc.)

She won where Republicans have a 40,000 voting advantage. But to do that she could not touch the third rail of upstate politics, gun control. Trust me, Guns are very well controled here. I am in the process of applying for a permit in Greene County and it has taken me two months (before the interview with a judge and up to 4 month wait) and will cost over $200. Nobody wants any more gun control than there already is.

So I don't want to see a primary, all that will do is weaken her and possible let some republican slide in

And by the way, She was the only Democratic to film ads for her replacement in the NY20, Scott "landslide" Murphy. While the national Democratics wanted Scott to win, they did not want to do ads in case he did not win. The final margine was 726 out over 150,000 votes cast.

[depakid]

41. Schumer's the one who needs to be primaried

[Perky]

45. Schumer is not trying to "block the primary"

He is trying to clear the field......There is a huge difference

[AtomicKitten]

46. Schumer: "There is not going to be a primary!"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/nyregion/08gillibrand.html