Democratic lawmakers not intimidated by Kennedy bid

Democratic lawmakers seeking Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) Senate seat have intensified their bids, even as political observers are ready to crown the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy.

Caroline Kennedy has emerged as the early favorite, but that hasn’t stopped Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) from following her lead. They spent the weekend and Monday meeting with political leaders and voters in the state’s northern reaches, which are expected to be important battlegrounds in 2010 when the seat is up for special election.

{mosads}Maloney met on Saturday with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who received Kennedy warmly several weeks ago, then traveled to Syracuse and Rochester on Sunday and Monday.

While some lawmakers see Kennedy as Clinton’s inevitable successor and have been quick to embrace her, others, such as Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), have questioned her credentials.

Maloney, however, has shied away from taking shots at Kennedy, noting that the process to replace Clinton is a selection, not a regular campaign.

“This is an appointment, not a campaign,” Maloney said in an interview. “There are not candidates. There are people under consideration. The person who will make the decision is the governor of New York.”

Maloney said she traveled upstate to “learn more about the challenges” and to answer the questions of voters living there.

“I gained more of an understanding of what’s on people’s minds so that if I were appointed I would be better able to hit the ground running,” said Maloney. “I heard a great deal about jobs, jobs and jobs.”

Israel, who represents central Long Island, flew to Syracuse on Sunday to meet with Shawn Hogan, the mayor of Hornell, N.Y. On Monday, he arranged face-time with Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll, Utica Mayor David Roefaro, a state senator and several state assemblymen.

Israel also held a press availability in the Marr-Logg restaurant in Utica.

“I met with the governor [on Dec. 12] and he told me I shouldn’t be shy, and I’m not,” said Israel in an interview. “I think it’s going to be a classic basketball game. It’s the last two minutes that are relevant. You’re going to see intensified efforts to make the case as we get closer to Clinton’s confirmation.”

Israel also held back from taking jabs at Kennedy.

“I’ve refrained and will continue to refrain from making judgment from any Democrat who’s on the governor’s shortlist,” he said. “I can only worry about mine.”

Israel said whomever Gov. David Paterson (D) chooses will have to be able to run competitively in all corners of the state. Clinton’s successor will face a special election in 2010 and reelection in 2012 when Clinton’s second term expires.

“Anybody who takes any part of this state for granted contributes to a lost election: 2010 will be a tougher election for Democrats around the country and New York,” Israel said.

Other aspirants, such as New York Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D), have taken more low-key approaches. While they have been careful to limit their public maneuvers, their rivals suspect they are working hard behind the scenes to persuade Paterson of their merits.

An aide to Gillibrand said her boss was not taking any special steps to jockey for the Senate post but noted that her boss, who won reelection to a second term, represents a district with 85,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats. This could be an important consideration for Paterson, who presumably would like to pick a candidate who could build a broad base of support in 2010.

“The congresswoman talks to upstaters every day,” said Gillibrand spokeswoman Rachel McEneny, when asked about Maloney’s and Israel’s trips upstate.

“She’s doing her job as congresswoman from 20th congressional district,” she said.

Gillibrand’s district spans from northern Poughkeepsie to Lake Placid and west to Cooperstown.

Nadler, who represents Manhattan, has made several trips upstate over the past year. He has recently touted his efforts to secure transportation for New York.

Nadler sent out a joint press release with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) last week declaring that President-elect Obama’s economic stimulus package could provide millions of dollars to New York to upgrade its mass transit system.

An aide for Nadler declined to comment.