Jul 1, 2009 11:21 am US/Eastern
Adviser: Maloney To Take On Gillibrand In Primary
WASHINGTON (CBS) ―
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Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (File)
U.S. House of Representatives
New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney will challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in the state's Democratic primary, a senior campaign adviser said Wednesday, setting the stage for a potentially costly and contentious fight.
The nine-term congresswoman believes New Yorkers need a "strong, experienced and independent leader," according to a statement by Paul Blank, director of Trippi & Associates, which has been hired by Maloney to serve as a chief strategist.
Blank said Maloney is putting together a campaign team and will make her announcement in two weeks.
Gillibrand, 42, was appointed by New York Gov. David Paterson to fill the vacancy created by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's appointment as secretary of state. She was appointed after Caroline Kennedy abruptly withdrew from consideration.
Gillibrand then was a little-known congresswoman from upstate New York, first elected to the House in 2006. The appointment stewed resentment among others who considered her views on guns and immigration not liberal enough.
Since then, two potential contenders -- Reps. Steve Israel and Carolyn McCarthy -- have opted out.
Maloney, 61, who represents Manhattan's Upper East Side, declined to do so, even after a phone call from Vice President Joe Biden.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Maloney with a slight edge over Gillibrand among registered New York Democrats.
Gillibrand was sworn in as New York's Junior Senator on Jan. 27, 2009.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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