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This belongs to you. Take it back...
Fri Jan 23, 2009 at 12:59:51 PM EST
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| Governor David Paterson has officially appointed Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to become the junior U.S. senator from New York. As a progressive, there are some things that I disagree with Gillibrand on. But as a resident of upstate, there are many other things that I like about Gillibrand. She has her flaws, but I am willing to give her the chance she deserves to show New York what she can do as a senator.
So far, some individuals and groups have issued statements about Gillibrand's appointment. There seems to be mostly positive reaction to Gillibrand's appointment.
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith:
"Today's appointment of Kirsten Gillibrand by Governor Paterson to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is a shining example of our democratic process at work.
I applaud Governor Paterson for being deliberate and thoughtful throughout this process. In his appointment of Kirsten Gillibrand to the U.S. Senate, Governor Paterson has made the right choice for New York's future. Throughout her career, Kirsten Gillibrand has exhibited the kind of leadership that has yielded results for the people in her district and the state of New York. She understands that the hard-working men and women of this state deserve tax relief, quality and affordable health care and every chance to receive the best educational opportunities for their children.
Her agenda to advance economic development opportunities and revitalize our communities is the kind of vision we need in Washington fighting for us. I have no doubt she will deliver for the people of this state and ensure that New York receives its fair share of the federal stimulus package. I look forward to partnering with her, as well as Senator Schumer, Governor Paterson and other legislative leaders as we work to get New York and the nation back on track."
Congressman Dan Maffei:
"It is an exciting day for all of New York to have Kirsten Gillibrand poised to be our next Senator. Kirsten has experience with many of the most critical issues in our State, from veterans and armed services affairs to government transparency, and she will bring a fresh voice to the Senate as she continues to fight for increased government accountability. She will be a partner in the Senate that all of the New York Congressional delegation can work with, and I personally am excited to work with a friend and colleague who has represented an Upstate district that faces many of the same challenges we do in Central New York and throughout the 25th district."
Congressman Chris Lee:
"Hillary Clinton has provided eight years of distinguished service as New York's junior senator. I know my constituents join me in wishing Secretary Clinton well.
"I am pleased that Gov. Paterson has selected a successor to Secretary Clinton from the upstate congressional caucus. Congresswoman Gillibrand understands the perilous state of Western New York's economy, and I look forward to working with her to forge swift, bipartisan action that will create jobs and ease the strain on middle-class families."
More reaction below the fold, including statements from NARAL Pro-Choice New York and Progressive New York. |
| robert.harding :: NY-Sen: Reaction To Kirsten Gillibrand Being Named U.S. Senator |
NARAL Pro-Choice New York:
We are thrilled to congratulate Kirsten Gillibrand on her appointment to the United States Senate.
NARAL Pro-Choice New York led the call for a strong leader who will advocate for women in New York and around the country, particularly in the arena of reproductive rights. With a 100% pro-choice record, Congresswoman Gillibrand is precisely that leader.
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. We know that as Senator she will represent our interests with integrity and passion.
NARAL Pro-Choice New York looks forward to continuing our relationship with Kirsten and working closely with her and her Senate colleagues to protect and expand women's reproductive freedom.
Progressive New York's Jonathan Tasini:
David Paterson's choice to fill the U.S. Senate in New York is an affront to the people of New York. New Yorkers do not deserve a caretaker Senator who is anti-immigrant, anti-gay rights, and proudly carries the endorsement of the National Rifle Association, an organization that is uniquely responsible for the death and injury by gun violence of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
But, make no mistake about it: the governor's appointment is a caretaker. Rather than wring our hands, New Yorkers need to begin to organize TODAY to elect a Democratic Senator in 2010 who will represent progressive values--values that many of us believe reflect the majority opinion of the state's voters. By progressive, I mean someone who will: articulate a substantially different foreign policy than most "liberal" Democratic politicians support; someone who will aggressively push for single-payer health care; and someone who fights for a different economic strategy that favors people over corporations on the whole range of issues from trade to unionization to the power of corporations.
The caretaker appointment will be showered with huge campaign contributions from Wall Street and other establishment, inside-the-Beltway power brokers--many of the same people whose mindset led us into the economic crisis we now face. We can elect a progressive Senator in 2010 if we use the power of grassroots organizing and tap a broad base of donors who yearn for deep, systemic change. The campaign must begin now.
Indeed, it has already begun, with scores of New Yorkers signing up even before the appointment was announced. New Yorkers are invited to join the campaign at www.progressivenewyork.org or on Facebook.
There will be more reaction to come. Stay tuned. |
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