Maloney supporters urge against run

About 60 Democratic activists have penned a letter to Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) urging her not to challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in a primary next year.

The letter, signed by a number of past Maloney donors, argues a primary would weaken the eventual Democratic nominee and would force either Maloney or Gillibrand out of a job.

“[W]e must say that we would be deeply disappointed should you decide to pursue a primary challenge to our new Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand,” the activists write. “We find ourselves wondering how you can consider embarking on a campaign that is so potentially destructive to the interests of New York State and for the Democratic Party.”

The Albany Times Union adds:

In a twist, Maloney’s House seniority–the stature and positions she has received after 17 years in Congress–could work against her. The letter-signers are fretting about the possibility that Maloney may drop out of the House to pursue the Senate, jeopardizing her high-profile role as chairwoman of the Joint Economic Committee. She also serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the Financial Services Committee.

Of course, Maloney is also lining up some high profile support for her campaign. Bill Clinton will headline a fundraiser for Maloney, as Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) and former VP nominee Geraldine Ferraro have already done.

An aide to Maloney confirmed to The Hill yesterday that the Congresswoman will jump in the race

The White House, trying to avoid a tough primary that could cost Democrats the seat altogether, is trying to line up support behind Gillibrand.