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July 2, 2009

Bill Clinton to attend Maloney fundraiser

Posted: July 2nd, 2009 03:40 PM ET

From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser

Former President Bill Clinton is set to attend a fundraiser for Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

(CNN) - Former President Bill Clinton will attend a fundraiser for a congresswoman from New York City who's challenging Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in next year's Democratic primary.

The fundraiser is for Rep. Carolyn Maloney. Her campaign's chief strategist, Joe Trippi, tells CNN that Maloney has made her decision to run against Gillibrand and will soon formally announce her Senate bid.

Gillibrand, a former congresswoman from upstate New York, was named by Gov. David Paterson in January to succeed Hillary Clinton.

The White House has been hoping to prevent a primary fight next year in New York by trying to clear the field for Gillibrand. Steve Israel, another congressman from New York who was considering a run against Gillibrand, decided against such a bid after lobbying by the White House.

Former President Clinton has not made an endorsement in the race, but his appearance at a Maloney fundraiser will raise some eyebrows. Clinton also attended a fundraiser for Gillibrand earlier this year.

Last year, both Gillibrand and Maloney backed Senator Hillary Clinton in her run against Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. The former president has made a point of thanking former Hillary Clinton supporters.

A spokesman for the former president, in reports today, confirmed that Clinton would attend the fundraiser on July 20, but said Clinton agreed to the Maloney event well before the congresswoman decided to challenge Gillibrand.

A Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday indicates Gillibrand trails Maloney in a hypothetical Democratic primary matchup, with 27 percent of those questioned supporting Maloney and 23 percent backing Gillibrand. Forty-four percent are undecided.

Filed under: Bill Clinton • Carolyn Maloney • Kirsten Gillibrand

8 Comments | Permalink


Dutch/Bad Newz, VA		July 2nd, 2009 5:03 pm ET That Senate seat needs to remain a democratic one.

Zach K		July 2nd, 2009 4:52 pm ET Ah Bill. You got us out of a Bush Recession, and I am sure Obama will get us out of this second one. Best wishes in Haiti. Your Human Nature is needed.

John - San Jose		July 2nd, 2009 4:49 pm ET Larry, get yourself back into the Republican woodland. We Dems can win without you. The Clintons are the foundation of the Democratic P. Obama is OK but he is not yet at Clinton's rank. I voted for him and I still support him. Please check your emotions before you respond. It only takes 5 minutes.

Rich		July 2nd, 2009 4:37 pm ET I thought the Clintons were behind the choice of Kirsten Gillibrand since they can't stand Caroline Kennedy. Back when Gov. Paterson named Kirsten Gillibrand senator, Hillary Clinton put out a statement strongly supporting Ms. Gillibrand, if I recall correctly. I guess this teaches people like Gov. Paterson and Sen. Gillibrand one thing: never trust the Clintons. Of course that ought to be common sense by now, for everyone. I hope Barack Obama is keeping an eye on his Secretary of State to make sure she doesn't try undermining him...

Larry		July 2nd, 2009 4:30 pm ET I'm a reformed Republican (Democrat now) and I think President Obama is doing a fantastic job for our country. I'm proud to be an American Democrat. But I wish Bill Clinton would go to Haiti and take Hillary with him. And stay there.

Ross, Chautauqua, NY		July 2nd, 2009 4:26 pm ET Terrific! As a NY Democrat, I favor defeating Gillibrand who's an NRA and Big Tobacco darling! She's unfit and unqualified to hold the seat of Robert Kennedy, Charles Goodell, Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Hillary Clinton! Let's dump Governor Paterson as well!

John		July 2nd, 2009 4:23 pm ET Hey Mr. President (Clinton)- Either pick a candidate or don't. Doesn't look good to attend fund raisers for both. Kinda looks like you are trying to divide the party up there...

S M R		July 2nd, 2009 4:10 pm ET Sounds like another victory for the party that can and will bring our GREAT COUNTRY out of the tail-spin the GOP left us in.
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