Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (Dem.)
Report Card
Kirsten Gillibrand was a controversial choice when she was named by Gov. Patterson to fill the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton in 2009. Gillibrand had been a Congressional Representative from a traditionally Republican district in the Hudson Valley.
As a Representative, she had departed from the Democratic consensus on immigration issues and had made statements which had been sharply criticized by immigrant rights groups. When Patterson’s decision was announced, many Latino and immigrant leaders expressed reservations about her ability to represent their interests.
While in the House of Representatives, Gilliband had supported using local police for immigration enforcement and had opposed Gov. Spitzer’s plan to allow some undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers’ licenses, among other controversial views.
Recognizing the growing opposition to her becoming senator, Gillibrand immediately organized a series of meetings with her critics. Immigrant leaders attending were impressed by her willingness to listen to sometimes biting remarks regarding her record on their issues. Gillibrand offered a process of engagement with immigrant leaders and soon made public statements supporting the immigration reform agenda.
During her two years in office, Senator Gillibrand has continued to work with New York’s immigrant leadership to develop protections for undocumented immigrants. She has also worked behind the scenes to press the Obama administration to ameliorate ICE’s enforcement regime.
Gillibrand was easily elected to her seat in 2010. Because she is filling the remainder of Hillary Clinton’s senate term she will be up for election again in 2012. If she is re-elected, Gillibrand is likely to emerge as a leading spokesperson for the Senate Democrats.
Contact Sen. Gillibrand
Washington, DC Office
478 Russell
Washington, DC 20510
Tel. (202) 224-4451
Fax (202) 228-0282
