Gillibrand: Tracy Flick??

Thrush at Politico tells us that Gillibrand's sarcastic nickname in the NY Congressional delegation is "Tracy Flick" -- the over-ambitious, cutthroat blonde in the movie "Election" (at right). Of course, it's worth remembering that a year ago, before she became Fightin' Hill, Hero of the Working Class, Hillary Clinton was also being compared to Tracy Flick.

Politico also, usefully, posts Gillibrand's self-oppo file from her 2006 House campaign, which details vulnerabilities from her law firm work and personal past.

Excerpts:

"Kirsten's family could cause her some political headaches. While her relatives have endured individual problems outlined below, the most likely attack she will face is that she is a product of Albany's political machine. The more voters learn about Kirsten family, the more they may not believe that she is a true political outsider, as she claims. And despite her family’s long ties to the region, Kirsten has spent most of her life living in New York City and Westchester County and only moved into the district two years ago – one can assume in preparation for a run to Congress. 'When has she ever been interested in our issues?' voters will be coaxed to ask."

Also:

"Gillibrand's law firm work is the richest vein of attacks. The two firms she is associated with, Boies, Schiller & Flexner, and Davis, Polk & Wardell have represented a number of clients that represent political liabilities. While Kirsten’s name does not appear on many dockets, her law firm's client rosters include big tobacco, oil companies, and a number of white-collar criminals."

Now, of course, she also has a record -- which has opened a line of attack that she's too far to the right for NY Dems on issues like immigration, guns, wiretapping, gay rights, etc.


Source: weblogs.newsday.com