"We have a clear opportunity to make America safer and more secure for our children"

Hudson NY - Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic Congressional Candidate, released a statement in support of The Secure Fence Act before Congress today, but noted it should have additional measures for employer enforcement.

"I support protecting our borders, but our solution must include more measures to ensure employer enforcement with regards to illegal immigration, building a wall or a fence alone is simply not enough. In conjunction with solutions taken on the ground at our borders, we must enforce the employment laws that are currently being ignored by companies who profit from hiring illegal immigrants. The urgency of dealing with our borders should not be held hostage by election year legislation and this summer's field hearings; securing our borders must be a national security priority. Threats at our borders need serious solutions from Washington and we have yet to see John Sweeney and Congressional leadership take the lead on improving our border security. Under the Bush Administration, the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at our border is down 31%. This is not solely an immigration question; improving our border security is imperative in keeping America safe."

Agrees to meet John Sweeney to debate without condition

Hudson NY - Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic Congressional Candidate in NY-20, released a copy of a letter sent to John Sweeney this morning.  Today marks the first day of the General Election.

September 13th, 2006

Congressman John Sweeney
416 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

I am writing to invite you to join me in ten joint public appearances during this campaign - one in each county - to discuss the issues that are the most important to residents of NY-20. These joint appearances could be formal debates or town hall style meetings.

There have been a few reasons in the past for us to not meet, but now that it is after Labor Day and I am the only candidate you face in November, you must agree that it is important to compare visions for the future. I am willing to meet and discuss the issues with you with no conditions attached. Several groups and media outlets have approached both our offices to schedule a debate or town-hall style meeting, including the League of Women Voters, AARP, CBS and Fox News. I encourage you to stop delaying the scheduling process.

David Strathairn, reprising his role as Edward R. Murrow, films web video for Gillibrand campaign

Hudson NY - Today, Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic candidate in NY-20 released a web video staring longtime district resident and academy award nominee, David Strathairn. Mr. Strathairn reprised his role as courageous newscaster Edward R. Murrow from the 2005 movie Good Night, and Good Luck.

The film explores the discredited tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy and Mr. Murrow's decision to open the discussion to nation via his news broadcast. The video was written and produced by Spitzer's ad-man, Jimmy Siegel and his firm a-political. The video was directed by Danny Levinson.

Campaign releases new polling data showing Gillibrand within striking distance of Sweeney

Hudson NY - Today, Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic candidate in NY-20 released new polling data, with 39% of the vote, to Sweeney's 47%, Gillibrand is exactly where she needs to be two months before Election Day. Gillibrand is closing the gap with strong momentum; her favorability and familiarity ratings have more than doubled since the Global Strategy Group's last poll in May. Conversely, with less than 50% of the vote, Sweeney's unfavorable rating has increased to 32%, and 41% of voters want to replace him as their Congressman.

Hudson NY - Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic Congressional candidate in NY-20 will spend Labor Day meeting with area families talking about the issues most affecting them today at two Labor Day picnics.

From New York's Labor Commissioner to the House of Representatives, John Sweeney has been consistent with his lack of support for working Americans. In Congress, Sweeney has repeatedly opposed workers rights, voted against minimum wage increases and flip-flopped on free trade agreements. He hasn't made it any easier at home; living costs are on the rise, from home heating, to healthcare and education. Yet he has voted to increase his salary by $31,600 dollars since arriving in Washington.

 

August 22, 2006 - Surrounded by supporters, Kirsten Gillibrand issued her third Debate challenge to John Sweeney in front of the Democratic Party state headquarters.

The Coxsackie Democratic Committee has a fabulous photo gallery of Senator Clinton's and Kirsten Gillibrand's visit to Coxsackie's RiversidePark. Here is the story as broadcast on WAMC.

• President declared at press conference today: "We're not leaving [Iraq] so long as I'm the president. That would be a huge mistake."
• Democratic candidate Kirsten Gillibrand disagrees, says we need a change of direction
• Incumbent Rep. John Sweeney voted for the war, blindly supports President's failed policies

Hudson NY - In response to the President's declaration today that US troops will never leave Iraq during his presidency, Democratic candidate Kirsten Gillibrand today called for a new direction in Iraq. While Rep. John Sweeney voted to go into Iraq and has been a rubber-stamp for the President's misguided policies, Gillibrand repeated her strong support for the troops while calling for putting the Iraqis on notice that they must decide their own destiny and eventually redeploying US troops within 6-12 months.

"I respectfully disagree with the President's failed stay the course strategy in Iraq," Gillibrand said today. "It's time for a change.  We must put the Iraqis on notice that they must decide their own destiny and that US troops will be redeployed. It's time for Congress and my opponent to stop being a rubber-stamp for the President's failed Iraq policies."

"Congressman John Sweeney and I have an honest disagreement on the most important challenge confronting our great nation.  He supports the President's failed Iraq policy and will be a reliable vote to stay the course.  I say its time for a new direction and real change."

Gillibrand today responded with an alternative strategy for ensuring our mission in Iraq is successful:

Hudson - In an unprecedented move, the 2.5 million AFL-CIO members state wide endorsed Kirsten Gillibrand in her bid to unseat incumbent John Sweeney.  Gillibrand is the Democratic candidate in New York's 20th Congressional District.  In the past, Representative Sweeney has enjoyed some labor support and it was widely anticipated that the State Federation would not recommend an endorsement in this race.  The groundswell of support for Gillibrand among the delegates of today's AFL-CIO convention made it apparent that she is Labor's candidate.

In response to the announcement Gillibrand said, "I am grateful and honored by the endorsement and support of our labor leaders.  The AFL-CIO has been the leading advocate for working families in this district and today I stand among them as a voice for real change and new direction in this country."

ALBANY, N.Y. August 9, 2006 — New York State United Teachers, the state’s largest union, today endorsed Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand’s bid for Congress, saying her candidacy offers a “fresh, clear alternative” to residents of the 20th Congressional District.

NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said Gillibrand, an attorney and civic leader with deep roots in the Capital Region, “will bring accountability, trust and responsibility to the office.  Kirsten will fight for more education funding, affordable health care and a stronger local economy, and she will do it with class.”

NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin said the union has deep concerns about incumbent John Sweeney’s record and ability to represent the interests of Capital Region residents.  In fact, Lubin said NYSUT analyzed 12 key votes in Congress on issues important to 20th Congressional District residents, and found Sweeney voted the “wrong way” on nine of them.

“John Sweeney’s record in Congress has been abysmal.  He has lost his way,” Lubin said.  “Instead of standing up to the extremists in his party and fighting for the best interests of his constituents, Sweeney has been a ‘rubber stamp’ for the George Bush conservative agenda.  It’s clear that it’s time for a change.

NYSUT has more than 20,000 members in the greater Capital Region.

“This isn’t just about campaign contributions,” Lubin said.  “It’s about feet on the street.  NYSUT’s endorsement translates into thousands of volunteers.  It also translates into support from the largest union phone-bank operation in the state.  Our members work for — and vote for — candidates who support the issues they care about: quality public schools, colleges and hospitals and access to affordable health care for all New Yorkers.”

Joined by NFFE's National President Rick Brown and Congressman Michael McNulty, Kirsten Gillibrand attends labor rally in Watervliet to celebrate several recent labor endorsements

Watervliet NY - Standing in view of the Watervliet Arsenal, Kirsten Gillibrand was joined today by Rick Brown, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and Congressman Michael McNulty to celebrate Gillibrand's latest endorsements from the labor community.  Kirsten Gillibrand is the Democratic candidate for NY's 20th Congressional District.

Rick Brown announced, "There is a reason that so many different union representatives are standing with Kirsten - some of you have endorsed John Sweeney in the past - but your presence today demonstrates that we are, and we will hold our lawmakers accountable.  Kirsten Gillibrand will be a better advocate for labor, NFFE is proud to endorse her candidacy."

After Rick Brown's rousing introduction, Congressman Michael McNulty addressed the crowd, "November 7th is a day where the people of upstate New York can choose to stay the course with President Bush, or decide to take this country is another direction.  Kirsten Gillibrand understands we are on the wrong track.  She is running around this district every day with a positive message of hope for our working families, I look forward to welcoming her to Washington as a colleague."

Kirsten Gillibrand has been running on a platform that supports working families and fair wages, "Our district has all of the right elements to strengthen and renew our economy if we just make the right investments. We have a unique mix of agricultural, manufacturing, small business and entrepreneurial, technological, environmental and alternative energy industries that can be harnessed to provide good jobs four our families and keep our young people here."

Gillibrand continued, "In Washington, I will be a strong advocate for our working families.  Our nation's strength is due in part to our unions' efforts to provide living wages and safe working environments.  Continuing that history of supporting unions keeps America's labor force and our economy strong."

When elected, Kirsten Gillibrand will:

 Labels the reckless spending habits in Washington as unacceptable

 
Lake Placid - The Democratic candidate in NY's 20th Congressional District, Kirsten Gillibrand, is meeting with area residents while campaigning in the North Country to talk about her plan to restore fiscal discipline to Congress.  According to Gillibrand, "Our nation's debt has topped $8.4 trillion, and we pay half a billion dollars everyday just on the interest of the debt alone. The federal government has placed a $28,000 debt on every man, woman and child in this country - these are storm clouds hanging over our future.  We need a comprehensive plan that will allow for transparency and accountability in Washington.  The taxpayers of Upstate New York deserve to have their money spent wisely and transparently.  The national deficit's rapid escalation is unacceptable for our future."

Under the current system, earmarks can be inserted into the conference committee's appropriations bills.  The earmark is not debated on the floor of the House or Senate, and a Member cannot amend the final Conference Report.  Legislators are not given the due time or background to fully understand last minute measures.  Over the last six years several measures have been proposed to bring fiscal responsibility to the government and the Bush led Administration and Congress have repeatedly proven that pursuing a more transparent fiscal system was not their priority.  The 2006 budget contained nearly 10,000 pork projects worth $29 billion.  Pork spending has increased by 64% since fiscal year 2001.

Gillibrand continued, "Publicly traded companies file their budgets every quarter and are held accountable by their stockholders, the U.S. government's budget should be held to the same standards.  Too many times pork projects are hidden or added too late in the process, and are not analyzed or discussed.  We have unfunded mandates and troops at war who deserve better equipment, it is hard to understand how the system of reckless spending continues like business as usual."

The day after Exxon announced another record breaking quarter, Gillibrand encourages Congress to support a new energy independence policy - one that will improve our economy, environment and national security. 

Gillibrand: "Energy Independence is our nation's greatest challenge and opportunity; this aim must become a national priority."

STUYVESANT FALLS - Today, Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic candidate in New York's 20th Congressional District met with Bill and Roz of Gumaer Farms, a local Dairy farm in Columbia County, to discuss Gillibrand's vision for an energy independence initiative.  Based on American entrepreneurship, a new energy plan has the potential of strengthening our agricultural and manufacturing base.

According to Gillibrand, "Gas prices have affected us all - but our local farmers are perhaps feeling the greatest challenge.  We run a risk of being dependent on other countries not just for gas and oil, but for food as well. I believe our farmers can be part of the solution.  We must utilize America's pioneering spirit to develop alternative energy sources, including creating biofuels from crops and other renewable sources."

Gillibrand went on to outline ways the 20th district could be at the forefront of energy technology innovation, leading to increased local jobs and investment.  Gillibrand continued, "Targeted federal investments in alternative energies - such as biofuels, solar, wind, hydropower and fuel cells - will promote national and local economic growth as well as increase our national security and protect our natural resources.   This plan offers leadership and incentives for consumers and producers to choose to adopt new technologies.  We must better promote public/private sector partnerships to leverage the strength of our nation's entrepreneurial roots."

The Three Main Points of Gillibrand's Energy Plan:

July 25
HUDSON - For the second time in weeks, Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic candidate in NY's 20th Congressional District, sent Congressman Sweeney a letter inviting him to meet and debate on the war in Iraq.  Gillibrand never heard back from the first letter she sent Sweeney, but the campaign learned from reading the Times Union that Sweeney would not debate Gillibrand until it was clear there was just one Democratic candidate challenging him in the fall.  As of last week, Gillibrand is the only Democratic candidate remaining in the race.

Kirsten's Policy Statement on Iraq can be seen here.

Petitioning to get on the ballot has been a huge success for the campaign.

We want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who carried petitions and the thousands who signed! What an expression of the democratic process in action!