CLAVERACK—Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will be the keynote speaker Columbia County Democratic Committee’s second annual Martin Van Buren Dinner Saturday, June 6, at the Columbia Golf and Country Club, 295 Route 217.
Ms. Gillibrand is a resident of Greenport. She represented the county and the rest of the 20th District in Congress until her surprise appointment to the Senate in January. She reportedly has been traveling the state since her appointment, getting to know statewide issues and meeting constituents and politicians.
She was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, now secretary of state. But if Ms. Gillibrand wishes to stay in office past 2010, she must run in November of next year to fill the remaining two years of Mrs. Clinton’s term. Ms. Gillibrand can run for a full six-year term of her own in 2012.
Right now two Democratic representatives from the New York City metropolitan area have indicated an interest in challenging Ms. Gillibrand in a primary, Carolyn McCarthy (4th) of Long Island and Carolyn Maloney (14th) of Manhattan and Queens. A third potential Democratic challenger, Congressman Steve Israel of Long Island bowed out recently after President Obama urged him not to run.
The dinner will also include special Awards of Distinction and Meritorious Service to the Democratic Party to: Kay Abraham, Dianne Klinger and George Rodenhausen.
Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. The cash bar opens at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7:15.
For more information call Carol Sacks (518) 697-0612 or email carolsacks2007@yahoo.com. Send checks to: Columbia County Democratic Committee, PO Box 507, Ghent, NY 12075 or go to www.actblue.com/page/2ndmvbdinner.
To contact Parry Teasdale email pteasdale@columbiapaper.com.