Maloney ‘sure’ Gillibrand will face a primary

There is sure to be a Democratic primary in Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-N.Y.) 2010 reelection effort, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) said Monday.

While coy about her own intentions in the Senate race, Maloney said it will be up to voters to decide the Democratic candidate for Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.

“I am sure she will face a Democratic primary,” Maloney said on ABC’s “Top Line” on Monday. “A number of my colleagues have indicated they will be announcing soon.”

Maloney specifically referenced rumors that Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) would enter the Democratic primary soon.

“I am completely and totally focused on this credit card bill of rights,” she said of her own intentions, laughing off questions about whether or not she will run. Maloney asserted “it’s up to the voters to decide” whether or not there will be a primary.

State Democrats in New York have indicated they may choose to primary Gillibrand, despite her colleague Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D) claim that there will be no Democratic primary in the state.