Legal Commentary

NY-Sen: A Primary Opportunity

By Big Tent Democrat

Long Island House member Carolyn McCarthy is gearing up for a primary challenge to newly appointed NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), who is leading the Democratic opposition to Gillibrand, will today begin building the structure of a 2010 primary challenge, a McCarthy aide said.

This is good news for progressives. But not because McCarthy is progressive. She really is not. But it is still good news for progressives. I'll explain why on the flip.

As I wrote above, this is good news for progressives, if they know how to use it. McCarthy is no Jerrold Nadler (D-NYC). Indeed, she is probably less progressive than Gillibrand on the issues (other than gun control.) But Gillibrand's appointment by New York governor David Paterson is not popular among NY Dems, according to a newly released Quinnipiac poll, which shows 42% approve/43% disapprove of the Gillibrand appointment. Gillibrand will be moving quickly left to shore up this weakness.

Progressives should demand it. But they must demand it of all primary candidates for the Senate seat. Let the progressive bidding begin. This is why every office holder should be primaried in my view.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 26, 2009 (boomark / email).