DOWNSTATE DEMOCRACY: MALONEY'S RIGHT TO RUN

THE ISSUE: Whether Rep. Maloney should challenge Sen. Gillibrand for NY's US Senate seat.

I agree that Rep. Carolyn Maloney is doing the right thing as she bravely plans to give Democrats a choice on Primary Day ("Run, Carolyn, Run," Editorial, July 3).

Sure, she is liberal and has the voting record in Congress to prove it. But this is what democracy is all about -- letting the voters go to the polls to make a choice.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Obama and Gov. Paterson do not have the right to make a permanent selection to represent the people of New York for the next six years.

With unemployment soaring, energy costs escalating and the state Senate in chaos, these three fellows should concentrate on doing their jobs.

We, the people, can decide.

Kevin B. Kamen

Baldwin

***

It is extremely aggravating to see how downstaters are hyping Maloney for the Senate.

I am sure she would do a fine job of representing New York City and Long Island as senator, but no one has done much representing of upstate until Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed.

We see and hear our interests trashed by those downstate as if we exist solely for their benefit.

Quit acting as if we are inconsequential.

Maloney isn't much of a representative for anyone but the local interests.

I don't vote Democrat, but at least Gillibrand will give an honest listen. Maloney is a waste of time. (NYP July 8, 2009)

MALONEY VS. BALONEY 6/4/09

It's looking increasingly like Rep. Carolyn Maloney is going to challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in next year's Democratic primary, having signed two major political consultants to her fledgling campaign. Good for her.

The nine-term Manhattan congresswoman has inked veteran strategist Josh Isay and fundraiser Cindy Darrison, it was reported yesterday.

That's good news for her -- and better news for New York's Democrats.

Our differences with Maloney on issues are many and varied, but the tremendous pressure that's been exerted on potential Gillibrand opponents by Barack Obama and Chuck Schumer is truly offensive.

Indeed, squandering the prestige of the White House and New York's senior senator on ratifying Gov. Paterson's bizarre anointing of Gillibrand is insulting to members of their own party.

Maloney says a final decision on whether to run is still several weeks off, but we sure hope it's a go.

Democrats deserve a choice.