Gillibrand Shoots for Big First-Quarter Fundraising Total

By Emily Cadei | March 30, 2009 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is making a last-minute push in the the year's first-quarter fundraising period as she seeks to solidify her grasp on her New York Senate seat. Her campaign has set a goal of raising another $25,000 over the final 39 hours of the filing period, which ends March 31st at midnight.

"To show our broad-based support, our campaign must end this first quarter in the strongest financial position possible," Gillibrand wrote in an e-mail to supporters Monday. "I would be incredibly grateful if you could support my race with whatever you can give now."

Gillibrand, who was appointed to the post by Gov. David A. Paterson in January, no doubt hopes an early show of financial force will make those Democrats mulling a 2010 primary challenge think again. Gillibrand established herself as a tireless fundraiser during her two congressional campaigns in 2006 and 2008, and her ability to raise money for a Senate race that is likely to cost more than $30 million helped earn her the nod to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton, who became secretary of State.

Many downstate Democrats objected to Paterson's appointment of Gillibrand, a young, upstate moderate. Thus far only one Democrat, Long Island-based Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, has publicly said she would challenge Gillibrand, but several others are eyeing a primary run, including Reps. Steve Israel and Carolyn B. Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Suffolk County Legislature Majority Leader Jon Cooper.