First, here's what Hinchey said, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal:
In just four months on the job, Senator Gillibrand has shown a tremendous commitment to the people of the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier. As a fellow upstater, I am proud to endorse her campaign for U.S. Senate. We are partnering together on efforts to save and create jobs and secure New York's fair share of federal dollars.
Yesterday, two prominent black NYC politicians -- Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-11) and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith of Queens -- also endorsed Gillibrand, according to Liz Benjamin of the New York Daily News.
Clarke noted Gillibrand's "strong and compassionate leadership" and her "vigor and tenacity in advocating for her constituents."
Smith, who has to worry about retaining his slim majority next year, no doubt will welcome having Gillibrand on the November ballot.
Smith praises Gillibrand in his press release:
Throughout her career, Kirsten Gillibrand has exhibited the kind of leadership that has yielded results for the people of New York. Senator Gillibrand 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 continue to deliver for the people of this state and 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.
Robert Harding commented here yesterday on the Smith endorsement:
Having Smith endorse Gillibrand this early is big. It puts a strong New York City Democrat in Gillibrand's corner and gives Gillibrand early backing from a key figure in New York politics.
The Hill had a story yesterday, which noted that Clarke and Smith are "two New York City power brokers endorsing a centrist from upstate."
Benjamin also wrote that Reps. Brian Higgins (NY-27, western NY) and Mike McMahon (NY-13, in NYC) would be endorsing Gillibrand this week.
Finally, Gillibrand was endorsed last week by NARAL Pro-Choice New York, whose president, Kelli Conlin said the endorsement was the group's earliest ever:
We see a champion in Kirsten Gillibrand. We want to back that champion and be a part of her victory.
Is this somewhat motivated by our desire to not see a bloodbath of a primary in advance of a general election? Absolutely. But it is backed up by solid record.
Quite frankly, although there will be other friends who will look at this seat, Kirsten is the person who we think is best suited to walk in Hillary Clinton's footsteps and be that champion on reproductive health and rights.
Gillibrand is clearly looking for, and getting, early endorsements in order to make a primary challenge more difficult. Some will complain about that, but what did they expect her to do -- encourage primary challenges?
She is a very capable politician and a tenacious campaigner who would naturally prefer to focus on the general election next year.
So she and her allies (Schumer, the Clintons, and their networks) are lining up support early and often; there will surely be more endorsements in the near future. |
