Gillibrand Known for Bold Political Moves and Centrist Positions

New York’s Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton

Writing for the NY Times today Danny Hakim and Nicholas Confessore fill in the details of Gov. Paterson’s selection of upstate Representative Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate.

According to the article, Gillibrand has an impressive background as both a candidate for office and as a congresswoman.

“ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson was preparing Friday to announce at a noon news conference his selection of Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, a 42-year-old congresswoman from upstate who is known for bold political moves and centrist policy positions, to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to a person who spoke to the governor early Friday.

“An aide to Ms. Gillibrand confirmed early Friday morning that she had accepted the appointment.

“Ms. Gillibrand is largely unknown to New Yorkers statewide, but is considered an up-and-coming and forceful lawmaker in her district and has gained considerable attention from Democratic leaders in Washington.”

The article offers more biographical information about Gillibrand:

“Ms. Gillibrand, who lives near Hudson, N.Y., just outside of Albany, with her husband, Jonathan Gillibrand, a financial consultant, and their sons, Theodore, who is 5, and Henry, who is 6 months old. (Ms. Gillibrand received a standing ovation on the floor of the House from her colleagues for working right up to the day she gave birth to Henry.)

“Ms. Gillibrand, who had never held public office, won her seat in 2006 against great odds, defeating a four-term Republican incumbent in a race that turned intense and nasty in its final days.

“She proved to be a formidable candidate, raising millions of dollars and assembling a campaign organization that aggressively exploited the personal and political baggage of her opponent, Representative John E. Sweeney, who frequently found himself on the defensive.”