Kevin Goodwin, The Saratogain, 3/17/2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Kirsten Gillibrand, candidate for New York's 20th Congressional District seat, spoke on the steps of City Hall Thursday afternoon, shortly after Congress raised the nation's debt limit to $9 trillion.

"We need fiscal discipline," she said.

Gillibrand, who is running against U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, said that if she is elected, she will not vote for or accept a pay raise while in Congress, especially while the country has a massive budget deficit.

"We have many other priorities," she said.  "We Should be focused on getting tax cuts for working-class families."

She also wants to focus on providing affordable health care, lowering gas prices and putting families first.

"My priority in Congress is representing the families of the 20th District," Gillibrand said.  "Families need a leader to stand up and fight for them."

If she is elected and her salary is raised, she said she'll give the increase to charity.

"If I had to pick today, it'd go to the Red Cross for the Hurricane Katrina victims," she said.  "Those families need our help."

Saratoga Springs Mayor Valerie Keehn, a Democrat, said she was very pleased to be standing on the steps of City Hall with a go-getter like Gillibrand.

"I think she's right on target," Keehn said.  "I support everything she said and think she's doing a great job."