Bill Clinton To Do Fundraiser For Carolyn Maloney
In an interesting development in the 2010 New York special Senate race, where appointed Democratic Sen. Kristen Gillibrand is facing a primary challenge from Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Bill Clinton will now headline a fundraiser for Maloney, despite the extensive efforts by the Obama White House to clear the field for Gillibrand.
Interestingly, Bill previously did a fundraiser for Gillibrand herself, as he has done for many politicians who supported Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Both Gillibrand and Maloney supported Hillary during the 2008 primaries.
When asked for comment, Gillibrand spokesman Matt Canter instead pointed us over to a statement by an unnamed aide to Bill, who told PolitickerNY that this was not a shot against the incumbent: "The former president believes that Senator Gillibrand is doing a good job as senator and this type of thank-you event, and any other he may do, should not be read as an endorsement or un-endorsement."
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Meh. Who are any of us to tell Bill Clinton what to do, but trying to play both sides of the street on this one seems like a bad idea, and encouraging Maloney's ego trip seems like an even worse one.
July 2, 2009 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ego? If Maloney's ego was anything to be considered, it's odd that it's just now becoming apparent after being in the House for years and years.
Gillibrand herself said that she left her corporate Manhattan law firm to run for office upstate because she didn't think she could win (even a state house seat) in the City.
Sounds like Kirsten's got a bigger ego to stroke than anyone... but hey! It's another line on the resume. Ugh. Politics as usual.
July 3, 2009 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink