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D'Amato a factor in Gillibrand race? UPDATE

It's no secret that New York Republicans have been trying to woo
former Gov. George Pataki into a showdown against the very vulnerable,
but as-yet unchallenged Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Unlike other potential candidates, Pataki would be virtually tied with
Gilli if he entered the race today.

Over the past couple of weeks, several New York operatives have told
me Pataki has told them he's happy in the private sector and in no
mood to tackle the rigors of a statewide campaign.

But a top Democrat in the state adds an additional factor dissuading
the Peekskill Republican from testing the waters:

Pataki's longtime ally, Al D'Amato, the former senator who still
wields major power in the state's fractured GOP, has been actively
working behind the scenes to make sure that no one, not even Pataki,
challenges Gillibrand, whom he's known since was a baby.

Some Gotham Kremlinology: Gillibrand's dad Douglas Rutnik is a
longtime Albany lobbyist, pal of D'Amato's (remember Al at
Gillibrand's appointment announcement?), and onetime boyfriend of
Pataki/D'Amato aide Zenia Mucha.

UPDATE: A reader correctly points out that D'Amato has endorsed
Republican Bruce Blakeman against Gillibrand [Video of Al at
Blakeman's endorsement].

Which, one could argue, only further proves the point he's quietly
working for Kirsten.

Posted by Glenn Thrush 08:59 AM


Eric D. Schwerin
Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC
1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Suite 705
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-1880
[email protected]
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