Senator Gillibrand

MANIFESTO

I've been following the Gillibrand appointment story ever since it broke because a) I thought the Caroline Kennedy situation was one of the more foolish stories of the past few weeks, and b) Gillibrand happens to be the Congresswoman who represented Saratoga Springs, a town that will always be dear to my heart.

At the risk of sounding like a wingnut, I've gotta believe that to a certain (large?) extent, Paterson pretty much had to choose a woman since the seat was vacated by a woman. Given that the selection was gender-based, I can't help contrasting Paterson's choice with Senator Septuagenarian's unfortunate selection of a running mate a few months ago. In the latter instance, the Republican nominee seemed to have picked the first estrogen-bearing Republican who came into his sights. In the former, for all his apparent waffling, Gov. Paterson's selection seems to have been a bit more reasoned.

Anyway, locals tell me that Gillibrand is excellent even though she's had to stick to various redneck positions on gay marriage and gun control (to name but two) to keep her seat. Nevertheless, she seems to have already burned one bridge by stating

she will advocate for marriage equality and women's rights.

Empire Pride executive director Alan Van Capele said he spoke Thursday night with Gillibrand, who expressed her support for gay marriage.

That position sure won't win her many votes in Essex County.