The Eye

Part of the criticism focused on experience, as Gillibrand was just starting her second term in an upstate House seat when she was tapped to fill the Senate seat Clinton vacated to become secretary of State. But Maloney and others also argued that Gillibrand had veered from party orthodoxy on issues such as immigration and gun control as a House member, and therefore is too conservative for New York's strongly liberal-leaning Democratic primary electorate.

Nonetheless, Gillibrand has been able to brandish a series of endorsements by liberal women's groups that regard her as a solid ally on issues such as abortion rights, access to confidential family planning services and pay equity.

Tuesday's endorsement, publicized by the Gillibrand campaign in a release, came "at the recommendation and support of Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York (PPANY)" and was based on Gillibrand's record, both during her one full term in the House and five months in the Senate, "on issues important to the women and families of New York State."

Previously, Gillibrand obtained endorsements from EMILY's List, a powerful political action group that backs Democratic women candidates who favor abortion rights; NARAL Pro-Choice New York and NARAL Pro-Choice America, related abortion rights advocacy groups; and the Women's Campaign Forum.

As NARAL New York President Kelli Conlin explained to CQ in May, the group considers both Maloney and Gillibrand as friends, but added, "If we can avoid a bloody primary by endorsing early, we want to be a part of that."

"We don't want to risk this seat in a general election," she added.

Gillibrand's support from this political sector comes even though Maloney also counts it as one of her own key constituencies. Maloney earlier had the backing of National Organization for Women's New York chapter when she stated her interest in the Senate appointment, which ultimately went to Gillibrand.

Maloney is currently expected to announce her candidacy late this month. Two Democratic House incumbents from Long Island, Steve Israel and Carolyn McCarthy, also threatened to enter the race but have backed off, with Israel doing so at the direct request of President Obama.

Although New York is one of the most Democratic-dominated states, Republican strategists hope the internal rift among Democrats over Gillibrand's appointment will give them a rare opportunity in the special election that will fill out the final two years of the term Clinton won in 2006.

But the GOP has not nailed down a candidate. Rep. Peter T. King of Long Island, one of just three Republicans in New York's 29-member House delegation, now appears likely to run for a 10th term after hinting at a possible Senate campaign. Some Republicans are hoping for a bid by former three-term Gov. George E. Pataki, but he has given no public indication that he will run.

CQ Politics currently rates the general election contest as Leans Democratic.

To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics' election map.