Bill Clinton to raise money for NY Dem challenger

Bill Clinton to raise money for NY Dem challenger | Comcast.net

WASHINGTON — In a slap at President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton will headline a fundraiser for a New York congresswoman challenging White House-backed Sen. Kristen Gillibrand in the state's Democratic primary.

Clinton has not endorsed in the race, but his efforts to help Rep. Carolyn Maloney could be seen as a snub to Gillibrand and the Obama White House. Matt McKenna, a spokesman for Clinton, said he will be attending a July 20 fundraiser in New York.

The White House has played an active role in clearing the field for Gillibrand, who was appointed earlier this year to fill the seat vacated when Obama tapped Hillary Rodham Clinton to be his secretary of state. Obama asked Rep. Steve Israel not to challenge Gillibrand, a request he honored. Just days ago, Vice President Joe Biden called Maloney to discuss the race, a clear sign that the White House didn't want a primary fight next year.

Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told reporters last week that the White House would help Gillibrand's re-election bid.


Hmmm there interesting, I'm not buying the whole we are paying back supporters thing that Mr. Clinton is saying, to me this is a clear cut smack at the White House and I think he is trying to remind the Democrates that he still is very important and he is someone that needs to be listen to.

I think his importance is in his head, which is also in Lewinsky's mouth... ironically enough.

They want Gillibrand out because she is pro gun and was against Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens unlike Maloney. If a Dem does stay in power in Gillibrand's seat I want it to be her.