10/3 Senator Charles Schumer endorsed Kirsten at the newly opened Gillibrand Dutchess office in Rhinebeck on Tuesday afternoon.  The Senator gave a passionate speech to rally the troops - the applause could be heard in Poughkeepsie (or at least the bits that haven't been gerrymandered out).

 

WAMC reports

Senator Schumer Endorses Kirsten Gillibrand

WAMC-Public Radio
Julia Taylor 10/4/06

Senator Charles Schumer did not mince words when endorsing Kirsten Gillibrand

Recently appointed chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Schumer wants to see Democrats win a majority in the US Legislator

The 20th Congressional District, is one of the 15 hotly contested races in the nation.

Schumer told Gillibrand supporters in Rhinebeck Tuesday night that a victory in their district would be a step in that goal.

(Schumer) "It's a rare moment when people in anyone part of the country can influence the fate of that country. You have it right here. Because the 20th Congressional District will determine, its that close, whether the House becomes an independent force fighting for working families, or continues to be a rubber-stamp."

Schumer contended that President Bush's decisions are made by two interest groups; Theocrats who want to impose their religious views on others, and economic loyalists, who want to protect their wealth.

(Schumer) "He does everything they want, and this Republican House and Republican Senate, the same, these two groups say 'Jump,' and they say 'How high?' And as a result, the America that we, we care about, is being taken from us."

Delivered adamantly, and without notes, Schumer's speech struck a responsive cord with audience members, who sometimes spoke out in agreement, and erupted in the end.

(Schumer) "But just for the next five weeks, forgo the beautiful pleasures of the Hudson Valley, and do everything you can to make Kirsten Gillibrand the United States Congress member from the 20th Congressional District."

After the speech was over, Gillibrand said Schumer's endorsement means a lot to her campaign.

(Gillibrand) "Senator Schumer has been such a leader in our Nation, and to have his support and his endorsement, is very gratifying for me, because I really appreciate what he's done in the Senate and what he's done for our country."

Its not an election year for Schumer, but he said he's still invested in the midterm elections.

(Schumer) "In a sense every one of us is running, because this election is so important. Endorsements, really, only matter if you have a really quality candidate, and we do with Kirsten. So all we have to do is say, 'Hey, pay some attention to what she's saying Look at what she believes in. And she'll win."

Gillibrand is running against eight-year incumbent, Republican John Sweeney. The race has garnered national attention, and quite a few big name endorsements. Laura Bush is throwing her support behind Sweeney tonight. The Vice-Chair of the New York Democratic Committee, Denise King, was at the Schumer event. She says, endorsements are important, but they are only a piece of the campaign puzzle.

(King) "They are as important as we make them. I think within the political party it's always a good thing if you have the big players show up there. But I think the endorsements that are the most important, are those of us who are making phone calls on the candidates behalf, visiting homes..."

It's a tall order to visit all the homes in the 20th Congressional District, which covers 10 counties, stretching from Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley to Essex County in the Adirondacks.

Julia Taylor, WAMC News