Wednesday, January 20, 2010

What could be Trouble for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand?


Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has made serious headway in LGBT rights for NY and the nation. However, she may have to fight to keep her position as Senator.

Why you may ask? Well, as I like to believe she's safe, that may not be the case. My Ex-husband, Harold Ford Jr. could come from nowhere and still win.

I will present some points I've learned from the previous weeks.
  • Gov. Patterson's support doesn't carry much weight as it used to. After the gay marriage debacle, folks are not so sure of his choices (He appointed Gillibrand).
  • Her background ain't that cute either. Before she was appointed Senator, her LGBT ratings were low. She only supported civil unions and wouldn't co-sponsor the repeal of DADT. Later, she changed her stances and won praises for that. But one would question, if she could change, why can't Harold Ford Jr.? I only bring this up, because it will be used in the campaign. I bet my LV bag on it.
  • She was appointed not elected. And she wasn't the top choice either. Some NY politicians were angry at Patterson for that.
  • According to this article, 63% New Yorkers said they didn't know enough about her to have an opinion. Meaning, she will need to introduce herself to New York. Many, however are familiar with Ford.
  • Many of her supporters are from one group (gays). If she wants to win, she will need to court and I mean court other groups. The 2 she needs the most important tide turners, the labor unions and minorites (these are supposedly Ford's lock downs)
  • Gillibrand is considered very liberal, which leave opportunities for a moderate Dem or Independent to step in and shake up the election.
Just my views. Let me know what y'all think.

2 comments:

  1. After Massachusetts, we have work to do, and we cannot simply expect the right thing to happen. We need to WORK for it.

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  2. V, I agree with Bob hear. We have a lot of work to do as progressives. The complacency has to stop or we will continue to loose ground. Candidates who are running for office better be stumping for support well beyond the groups they have consistently relied on. They will need it.

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