New York Governor David Paterson officially unveiled Clinton’s replacement earlier today: Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand.
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Despite being praised by some leading New York Democrats her centrism may clash with others in the party. Her status as a “Blue Dog” Democrat has also raised eyebrows among several interest groups representing areas like gun control and immigration. “Now that she will be representing a far broader and more diverse constituency, Senator-Designee Gillibrand must reconsider her positions on immigration” read part of a statement from the head of the New York Immigration Coalition.
Despite qualms over her views on immigration Gillibrand seems like a good choice; her mostly moderate views will likely coincide with Gov. Paterson and President Obama’s policy. If she plays her cards right she can serve in Congress beyond the 2010 and 2012 elections and spare the Empire State the possibility of a Senator Rudy Giuliani.
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, CBS News, MSNBC, politico.com, New York Times, CNN
1 comment:
How can this be possible??? I recall when Representative Gillibrand was first running for her current office, I was SHOCKED when I personally viewed her campaign website which proudly posted a picture of the “WALL” she was so enthusiastic about. As a HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE and a professional who has served my community to address the humanitarian impact of our failed immigration policy I am disappointed NY will now have this type of misrepresentation in the US Senate.
But I am not the only New Yorker appalled by her appointment…check out her voting record on other vital issues and please do some research on you own.
A FEW ITEMS FROM PROJECT VOTE SMART http://www.votesmart.org
EMPLOYMENT AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Employment and Affirmative Action 2007 Representative Gillibrand supported the interests of the National Employment Lawyers Association 66 percent in 2007. "The National Employment Lawyers Association is a specialty bar association for those attorneys in the legal profession who exclusively or primarily represent workers in employment disputes. NELA provides help and support to lawyers protecting the rights of workers through networking, educational programs, publications and technical assistance."
LABOR
2007-2008 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Federally Employed Women's position, Representative Gillibrand received a rating of 50. "Federally Employed Women (FEW) is a membership organization working for the elimination of sexual harassment and the advancement of women in government."
IMMIGRATION
2007-2008 In 2007-2008 English First gave Representative Gillibrand a grade of A. "Our goals are simple: Make English America's official language. Give every child the chance to learn English. Eliminate costly and ineffective multilingual policies." Representative Gillibrand supported the interests of the English First 100 percent in 2007.
FOREIGN POLICY
2007 On the votes that the Latin America Working Group considered to be the most important in 2007, Representative Gillibrand voted their preferred position 0 percent of the time. "The Latin America Working Group is one of the nation's longest standing coalitions dedicated to foreign policy. The Latin America Working Group and its sister organization, the Latin America Working Group Education Fund, carry out the coalition's mission to encourage US policies towards Latin America that promote human rights, justice, peace and sustainable development."
2007 Representative Gillibrand supported the interests of the Peace Action West 64 percent in 2007. "Peace Action West advocates for a foreign policy that embodies the best values of the American people. As a membership organization, we foster broad-based civic activism to create a strong voice for peaceful and pragmatic solutions to global problems. Our activities serve as a bridge between the public and the officials who make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people."
Time to get back to work!
ADELANTE'
Sandra Cuellar Oxford
indiapoder@hotmail.com
845 807-7581
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