It's seems the Obama Administration in concert with the Senate Democrats are clearing the paths for the "chosen ones". Earlier in the week one of Specter's primary challengers bowed out, and news coming out today has Rep. Steve Israel deciding not to run after a fifteen minute phone call from President Obama earlier this afternoon. Rep. Israel was days away from announcing his decision to challenge Sen. Gillibrand in the primary, and was polling well against her to boot.
WASHINGTON - Bowing to the wishes of President Barack Obama to preserve party unity, Rep. Steve Israel announced Friday he will not challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in the 2010 Democratic primary.
After a 15-minute phone call from Obama at around 3 p.m., Israel pulled the plug on a race he was just days away from announcing - a race he felt he could win as Gillibrand's most formidable opponent, a source close to Israel said.
"I spoke with President Obama today," Israel said in a statement released. "He asked me that I not run for the U.S. Senate this year."
http://www.newsday.com/...
Now considering Sen. Gillibrand was appointed to her seat, you'd think a wide open primary would be best for the party - but Obama and Senate Dems (Schumer I'm sure for one) simply think that isn't a good idea for "party unity". What ridiculousness.
Statement from DSCC Chairman Bob Menendez -
Steve Israel is a terrific Congressman, and the people of Long Island are lucky to have him as their fierce advocate in Washington. New Yorkers have one of the strongest Congressional delegations in the country and clearly Senator Gillibrand is making them proud as their new Senator. She's working around the clock, traveling the state, delivering for New York, and given her strong track record thus far, looks to be well-positioned for 2010. The DSCC looks forward to continuing working with her to make sure she well-prepared for her race.
Statement from Sen. Gillibrand -
I am very appreciative of Congressman Israel's generous decision. Congressman Israel has been an extraordinary leader within the delegation and has been a friend since I first ran for Congress. I look forward to working with him and President Obama to fix the economy and create good-paying jobs on Long Island and across New York.
(both quotes from TPM's blog on this issue - http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/...
Considering that Sen. Gillibrand has never run for a Statewide office, I think it would be prudent for the Democratic Party that she would be challenged in a vigorous primary. Not to belabor the point that she was appointed in the first place by a Governor who is likely heading for defeat himself. Is this democracy at work or back room cronyism?
One can imagine the pressure being put on Rep. Sestak to clear the way for Arlen Specter to cake walk unchallenged into the Pa general in 2010.
Why is the party scared of primary challengers? They should be welcomed.