Monday, January 26, 2009

New NY Senator's NRA Support Criticized

From The Hill ~ A new poll suggests Republicans in New York are happier than Democrats with the selection of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) as the state’s next senator -- a fact that could forestall primary peril for the centrist lawmaker.

More than half – 56 percent – of Republicans approved of the appointment, while just 27 percent disapproved. Meanwhile, slightly more Democrats approved than disapproved, by a 41-to-35 margin. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D) is reportedly gearing up for a primary challenge to Gillibrand in 2010, citing Gillibrand’s support from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The party establishment is behind Gillibrand, but McCarthy is a popular congresswoman from Long Island, while Gillibrand is from upstate. The New York City area generally determines statewide races in the Democratic primary.

Upstaters approved of the appointment 55 percent-to-25 percent, while New Yorkers approved 41-34.

Gillibrand remains very unknown, though, with just 35 percent of voters forming an opinion of her. One-quarter of voters thought favorably of her, while 10 percent viewed her negatively.
Gillibrand's voting record has earned her a 100 percent rating with the National Rifle Association, and her pro-gun stance is at odds with the views of many politicians in New York City and other downstate areas.
Gillibrand said she was grew up a family of hunters, and that she had "always believed in protecting hunters' rights. ... It's a core value for our region and for our state."

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