Kirsten Gillibrand
Amid LGBT Pressure On Schumer, Sr. Senator And Gillibrand Voice Support for GENDA (Updated)
May 20th - 2:28 pm
US Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have thrown their support behind the Empire State Pride Agenda’s push to get the state Senate to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, also known as GENDA, before the end of this legislative session.
Since the passage of the same-sex marriage bill two years ago, GENDA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, has become a top priority for the LGBT community in New York.
The measure has passed the Assembly for six consecutive years. But it has never been taken up in the Senate, thanks largely to the fact that it’s a bit of a bridge too far for many Republican lawmakers.
ESPA today released an April 29 letter from Schumer and Gillibrand to the three Senate leaders – Jeff Klein, Dean Skelos and Andrea Stewart-Cousins – saying that passage of GENDA would “once again position New York as a beacon of civil and human rights.”
Almost immediately upon inheriting former Sen. Hillary Clinton’s seat, Gillibrand set about becoming a champion for LGBT rights, and lobbied hard on behalf of the gay marriage bill before the then-GOP controlled state Senate took it up in June 2011. Schumer came out in support of same-sex marriage in March 2009. At the time, he was the last remaining statewide elected official who had supported civil unions over marriage for gay couples.
UPDATE: Interestingly, this letter – which, as I noted above, is dated April 29 – was released on the very same day Schumer is facing pressure from gay activists over over whether a provision sought by same-sex couples will be included in the immigration reform bill. Republicans consider this provision a deal killer, and Schumer very much wants to see a deal done.
According to POLITICO, Schumer held a meeting today with prominent New York gay elected officials, and the meeting became “heated at times,” and former Assemblyman Danny O’Donnell was one of the more vocal attendees.
What’s Kirsten Gillibrand Up To?
May 3rd - 2:23 pm
ICYMI, this was today’s morning memo:
It looks like Gov. Andrew Cuomo isn’t the only New Yorker keeping a close eye on Hillary Clinton as she mulls whether to make another run for the White House in 2016.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the state’s junior US senator, has been generating a lot of buzz lately as a potential presidential contender should Clinton take a pass on the race.
The former upstate congresswoman is generally not included in hypothetical head-to-head match-ups for 2016 (much to the chagrin of EMILY’s List, which would like women other than Clinton to be added to pollsters’ lists in its push to see a “Madam President” take the oath in 2017).
But Gillibrand is increasingly on the radar screen of 2016 watchers. She was the subject of a POLITICO story last weekend, which not only included the obligatory Tracy Flick reference, but also glowing praise from former DNC Chairman and presidential contender Howard Dean, who said:
“If Hillary doesn’t run, I think there’s going to be a legitimate woman candidate, and it’s likely to be Kirsten Gillibrand. (She has) changed her positions, (but) she doesn’t do it in a way that seems to alienate her base.”
Gillibrand brushes off the 2016 talk, saying she would be the first to ask Clinton to run.
She has long-standing ties to the former first lady/ex-secretary of state, working to get Clinton elected to the US Senate in 2000, and then seeing a log-time Clinton aide, Howard Wolfson, return the favor when she ran her long shot – and eventually successful – challenge against then-GOP Rep. John Sweeney in 2006.
In that race, former President Clinton also gave Gillibrand a boost, traveling to what was then NY-20 for a last minute, pre-Election Day rally on her behalf.
But for all her “who me?” comments, Gillibrand is also cannily positioning herself to take her game to the next level. Not only has she taken a lead role on hot button issues like gay rights and sexual assault in the military, but last year, she launched a political action committee called Off the Sidelines that raised some $1 million for women candidates all across the country – some of whom are now office-holders who owe her a favor.
This year, Gillibrand is doubling down on Off the Sidelines, hoping to boost its fundraising to $2 million to use in the 2014 midterms.
And that effort is already well underway. Last night, Gillibrand sent a fundraising email to supporters that featured a “launch” video for Off the Sidelines along with a plea for contributions. (The video in question appears below).
Many observers say Gillibrand might just be the luckiest person in New York politics, thanks to her uncanny ability for being at the right place at the right time and seemingly effortlessly navigating the shoals and reefs that have tripped up many others before her.
She was able to topple Sweeney largely thanks to a well-timed leak of a 9-1-1 call made by the former congressman’s then-wife, which tipped the race in Gillibrand’s favor. (Sweeney was really his own worst enemy in that race, arguably defeating himself with a string of bad decisions).
In 2009, after President Obama tapped Clinton to be his secretary of state, then-Gov. David Paterson made the unexpected choice of Gillibrand to fill Clinton’s Senate seat.
After serving for a single term as a Blue Dog Democrat representing a GOP-dominated district, Gillibrand initially had trouble with the left – particularly when it came to same-sex marriage and gun control. But she worked hard to ingratiate herself with the Democratic Party’s liberal wing, and is now counted as a loyal champion of its causes.
Though her poll numbers have rare made it far out of the 50s, the Republican Party has been unable to find a strong candidate to defeat Gillibrand. A number of high-profile former elected officials, including ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and ex-Gov. George Pataki, have taken a pass on challenging her.
Instead, thanks also to infighting between the Republicans and the Conservatives, she has faced weak and little-known opponents like ex-Rep. Joe DioGuardi and attorney Wendy Long, all the while honing her political and fundraising skills.
Even if Clinton doesn’t run in 2016, Gillibrand would probably be a long-shot. It’s unclear if she would actually go so far as to battle her fellow New Yorker – and one-time boss at HUD – Gov. Cuomo.
But Gillibrand watchers also know better than to underestimate her. Behind her high-pitched voice and attractive exterior (Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid once called her the “hottest” member of the Senate) is a steely, aggressive and ambitious pol.
Gillibrand is only 46 years old. Even if she has to wait another eight years for her turn in the national spotlight, she’ll only be in her mid-50s when the next open White House slot will likely come up. Other aspiring Democrats – and Republicans, too – would be wise mot to count her out.
Gillibrand Calls Toomey-Manchin Failure ‘Shameful’
Apr 18th - 2:53 pm
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called the failure of the Toomey-Manchin background check amendment “one of the most disappointing days” since she joined the chamber.
In an email with the subject line “shameful” from her campaign arm, Gillibrand asks supporters to sign a petition calling on the Senate to continue to press the issue.
We cannot give up on this fight. We must continue to push for common sense laws to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals and those dangerously mentally ill.
Wednesday shouldn’t deter, but spur us on. We must recommit to fighting for what is right. The families of Tuscon, Aurora, and Newtown deserved better. The American people deserved better. You deserved better.
Gillibrand, who owns two guns (she famously once said the firearms were stored under her bed), is good friends with former Rep. Gabby Giffords, the Arizona Democrat who survived an assassination attempt in 2012.
That another vote on gun control in the Senate will be held seems unlikely, however. The Republican sponsor of the legislation, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, told reporters today he was interested in moving on to other issues today.
The full Gillibrand email is below.
Friend,
With victims from Tucson, Aurora, and Newtown looking on in the gallery, the Senate failed on Wednesday.
It was one of the most disappointing days I have been a part of during my time in the Senate. Comprehensive, bipartisan action to help stop senseless gun violence was blocked, 54-46.
The Senate failed to do something in expanding background checks that 9 out of 10 Americans support. Even a trafficking measure to stop the flow of illegal weapons on our streets was voted down.
Shouts of “Shame on you” rained down from the gallery after the vote – and they were right.
We have to do better. Help me send that message to the Senate right now.
Tell the Senate: Doing nothing is not acceptable. We have to speak out now, together.
We cannot give up on this fight. We must continue to push for common sense laws to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals and those dangerously mentally ill.
Wednesday shouldn’t deter, but spur us on. We must recommit to fighting for what is right. The families of Tuscon, Aurora, and Newtown deserved better. The American people deserved better. You deserved better.
Join me in telling the Senate that it is time to put the American people ahead of the special interests.
Thank you,
Kirsten
Gillibrand Raises Off Violence Against Women Act
Feb 28th - 2:24 pm
In what has been characterized as a victory for President Obama and congressional Democrats, the House voted today to pass the US Senate’s bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, an outspoken champion of women’s rights, has been pushing hard (along with her colleagues) for this. And she wasted no time in seeking to capitalize on today’s development, sending out an announcement/fund-raising appeal for her Off the Sidelines PAC, which raising campaign cash for women candidates across the country.
“I have great news,” the junior senator wrote. “Because you refused to give up, minutes ago, the House of Representatives finally joined the Senate in passing a meaningful Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This took way too long but is proof that your advocacy and your voice matters.”
“VAWA provides shelter and justice to abused women and protects families. It is the foundation of our efforts to combat domestic violence. Thank you for helping make it happen.”
“This has been another illustration for why we need to elect more women to office. It is no coincidence that after electing a new generation of women leaders to Congress we finally were able to pass this commonsense and critical bill. I often say Congress would be debating a whole different set of issues if it were made up of 51% women. One thing’s for certain: We would have never let VAWA lapse.”
“My Off the Sidelines PAC is working every day to recruit and help elect more women. Will you donate today so that we can help more women candidates across the country?”
Gillibrand, a prodigious fund-raiser who far out-raised – and also easily defeated – her 2012 GOP challenger, Wendy Long has been picking up political chits by putting her cash-gathering skills to work for women candidates.
During the last cycle, she help raise more than $1 million for other congressional hopefuls and then touted the role she had played in an “historic election for women” that saw a record number of female candidates running – and winning – seats in Washington.
Gillibrand Sets $30K Goal For Off The Sidelines
Jan 31st - 11:55 am
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is setting a midnight deadline for donors to raise up to $30,000 for her “Off The Sidelines” campaign this morning, in not one, but two fundraising emails with differing subject lines.
One email was teased as “97″ — a reference to the number of women elected now to both the House and Senate.
But Gillibrand says there’s more that needs to be done since three of her fellow female Democratic colleagues in the Senate are up for re-election next year.
From her fundraising email:
In 2014, three female Democratic senators will be up for re-election. In the House, 13 newly elected Democratic women will once again face serious challengers. We have to be ready to support them. Give to my Off the Sidelines PAC so we can defend Democratic women from right-wing attacks and ensure they remain in Congress where they belong. We need to raise $30,000 before midnight tonight to make this year’s first end-of-the-month goal. Please, don’t wait.
That Gillibrand is already fundraising isn’t all that surprising. But the use of the “Off THe Sidelines” political action committee is helping expand her influence and reach in the Senate, a historically stodgy institution whose composition is beginning to change.
Gillibrand Mails On Obama’s Inauguration
Jan 20th - 6:25 pm
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and her political arm isn’t slouching heading into the second term of President Obama.
Already she is sending out an email to supporters to wish the president congratulations as he is sworn in for a second term publicly tomorrow on the steps of the U.S. Capitol (Obama was sworn in today in a smaller, private ceremony due to a quirk in Constitutional requirements).
Here’s Gillibrand’s note:
Tomorrow morning on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Barack Obama will be sworn in for his second term as President of the United States.
I’m excited to be there to witness this historic event, which is always such a powerful reminder of the great democracy we live in.
Please join me in congratulating President Obama on this special day, and let him know that you will stand with him over the next four years.
Click here to sign my congratulatory card, and wish the president the best as he takes the oath of office.
There is so much to be done during his second term. Over the past few weeks, we’ve mapped out an ambitious agenda. By pulling together now, I am confident we can accomplish it.
Sincerely,
Kirsten
Of course, part of Gillibrand’s strength as a campaigner has been sending out email like these to build a database for both fundraising and GOTV efforts. That paid off this past election cycle, when she handily defeated Republican Wendy Long for a full, six-year term.
And now for a shameless plug: YNN and NY1 will be in DC tomorrow for the inaugural ceremonies, with both Liz B. and Errol Louis, and our Washington bureau providing reporting, commentary and analysis.
WFP Touts ‘Record’ Vote Total For Gillibrand On Row D
Dec 21st - 3:05 pm
The Working Families Party is trying to boost its clout by recognizing its top performer in the Nov. 6 elections – US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand – who received a record 241,531 votes on the labor-backed party’s ballot line. (Row D).
That total is nearly 60,000 votes higher than the previous record of 183,672 set by Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2010 (Gillibrand, who was running to fill the remaining two years in the term of her predecessor, Hillary Clinton, received 182,624 on the WFP line that year), and approximately 80,000 over the party’s highest 2008 statewide total, which was 159,613 for President Obama.
The party proudly noted that this new high comes despite significantly lower turnout across the state caused by Hurricane Sandy.
According to the WFP, the growth came mainly in upstate, where the party was involved in a concerted effort to help the Democrats win back the state Senate. (That effort, as we now know, worked numerically, but thanks to the IDC and Senator-elect Simcha Felder, did not end up tipping the balance of power back into Democratic hands). Some 128,000 voters north of Westchester and Rockland counties cast their votes on Row D in November.
“Each vote on the Working Families Party line shows that in New York, people-power can still trump big money,” said WFP Executive Director Dan Cantor. “Across the state, our activists and volunteers made the case for our values – making sure our economy and our democracy work for everyone, not just the wealthy and well connected. These results prove that people are listening.”
The WFP says it played a key role in several upstate Democratic state Senate victories, including Senator-elect Ted O’Brien’s big win over Republican Assemblyman Sean Hanna. O’Brien won by 5,448 votes, receiving 5,047 on the WFP line. In the 41st Senate District, though the final vote count from the state Board of Elections isn’t available yet, the WFP says it’s likely its voters also provided a critical margin of victory for Democratic Senator-elect Terry Gipson over GOP Sen. Steve Saland.
The party also did a lot of GOTV work for Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk in the 46th Senate District, bringing in more than 4,910 votes on her behalf, 2,412 of which came from Ulster County, where Tkaczyk performed the strongest.
Acting state Supreme Court Justice Gary Tomlinson ruled this week that Republican Assemblyman George Amedore had defeated Tkaczyk by 37 votes, but the Democrats plan to appeal that ruling.
Gillibrand: ‘Truly Historic’ Supreme Court Taking Marriage Cases
Dec 7th - 5:37 pm
If you though U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was demobilizing her supporters following her landslide victory over Republican Wendy Long, think again.
Gillibrand, who pushed for the repeal of the military’s don’t ask, don’t tell policy, released an email to supporters on the news that the Supreme Court would take up two challenges to anti-same-sex marriage laws, including a New York case over the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.
In the email, Gillbirand urges recipients to sign a petition backing the repeal of DOMA.
She calls the decision by the high court to take up the cases “truly historic.”
From her email:
“Over the last 6 months, both the first and second federal appeals courts have declared DOMA unconstitutional, and now, for the first time since DOMA was signed into law in 1996, the nation’s highest court will make its voice heard. Momentum across the country is clearly growing towards recognizing the marriages of all loving and committed couples and finally putting the discriminatory DOMA policy into the dustbin of history. But even as DOMA heads to the Supreme Court, it is still incumbent upon Congress to pass the Respect For Marriage Act, which would not only repeal DOMA, but would also put in place much-needed protections for legally married same-sex couples.”
Gillibrand Holds Back Tears During Senate Hearing On Sandy
Nov 29th - 12:13 pm
The US Senate is holding hearings today on the impacts of Super Storm Sandy, and during her testimony, New York’s Junior Senator Kirsten Gillibrand had to hold back tears as she told the story of two young boys from Staten Island who were literally ripped from their mother’s hands as she sought help.
Early in her testimony Gillibrand said, “the most heartbreaking story was when I went to Staten Island and (pause), we…” and she then paused for roughly 7 seconds to compose herself. For the next minute or so she struggled through her emotions to talk about the deaths of 4-year-old Connor Moore and 2-year-old Brendan Moore.
After telling the story Gillibrand was more composed as she finished her testimony.
Here is the video from the hearing courtesy CSPAN.
A Mixed Night For NY Women
Nov 7th - 5:04 pm
Back in March, a highly placed Democratic source called to inform me that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had been motivated to get involved in New York’s redistricting battle due to a concern that a special master’s maps would cost Democrats key congressional seats – especially those held by upstate Democratic women.
As the first women to serve as speaker – a position she had hoped, in vain, as it turns out, to have a shot at regaining as a result of yesterday’s elections – Pelosi urged Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Gov. Andrew Cuomo not to let the lines drawn by US Magistrate Judge Roanne Mann become law. Said my source at the time:
“Every male Democratic member of Congress has a path to run – even in a difficult district – and still win election, but the court’s maps are a real hit to women.”
“They take out (Rep. Kathy) Hochul. She’s out of range, and doesn’t come back. Her district is gone. Louise Slaughter goes down to like a 53 percent district, so she’s a casualty…He’s also hearing from women’s groups that if (he) does nothing and lets map go into effect he’s got a concern from them.”
In the end, Pelosi’s words fell on deaf ears. Cuomo did not intercede to try to get the Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans to agree on a House redistricting plan and the court-drawn plan became law.
Ironically, the woman Pelosi was supposedly most concerned about – Rep. Louise Slaughter – easily defeated her challenger, GOP Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks last night. Slaughter is now the lone female congresswoman north of Westchester.
Hochul, whose 2011 special election win in a GOP-dominated district was a big coup for the Democrats, wasn’t so lucky. After initially insisting her race with former Republican Erie County Executive Chris Collins was a statistical dead heat, Hochul ended up admitting defeat later in the evening.
Two other female congresswomen lost their seats last night, but since they were Republicans, they were not Pelosi’s concern.
Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle’s re-match against former Democratic Rep. Dan Maffei was called in Maffei’s favor by the AP. But the freshman GOP congresswoman has so far refused to concede in NY-24.
In NY-18, another Republican freshman, Rep. Nan Hayworth, was toppled by Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney. He will be the first openly gay member of New York’s congressional delegation.
All told, the GOP block in the New York delegation is now just six members – a far cry from the three or four-seat pick-up state GOP Chair Ed Cox was predicting at one point.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t a great night for DCCC Chairman Steve Israel, a Long Island congressman, either.
His candidates failed to oust Republicans in two targeted races – NY-19, where Rep. Chris Gibson withstood a challenge from Julian Schreibman; and NY-11, where scandal-scarred Rep. Michael Grimm is still standing after beating Democat Mark Murphy yesterday.
As for women candidates in New York, their biggest win was posted by US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who, as Nick Reisman wrote earlier today, appears poised to beat Sen Chuck Schumer’s historic 71 percent-of-the-vote record set in 2004.
Gillibrand raised more than $1 million for female candidates running across the nation this election cycle, building a power base in the process. The senator really pushed hard on behalf of Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, who ended up handily defeating her GOP challenger Todd Aikin, who was badly hurt by his ”legitimate rape” comments.
Take Capital Tonight and the State of Politics blog with you everywhere you go with our iPhone app! The mobile application features our blog posts, interviews, and a report news tool to send us your political news tips.