Jon Cooper feels that Gillibrand should not get a free ride in 2010. He thinks New York should be represented by a Democrat who is more progressive. As a New York supporter of Obama during the 2008 presidential primary race Cooper does not feel that people should get a free ride just because they are seen as the overwhelming frontrunner and that a primary might damage the frontrunner. Obama ran in the primary beat the frontrunner and became President so Cooper feels that he could win and and be elected to the Senate. Polls also show that Gillibrand is not nearly as strong as Hillary was when it came to the Presidential primary.
This was an article in Roll Call from today.
http://www.rollcall.com/...
WESTBURY, N.Y. — Jon Cooper (D) feels a little bit like the last man standing.
With better-known potential Democratic primary challengers to appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) falling by the wayside in rapid succession, Cooper — a member of the Suffolk County legislature, political donor, wealthy businessman and gay rights activist — is ramping up his exploratory effort.
Cooper, 54, grew up on Long Island. His family started Spectronics, a maker of ultraviolet lighting that he now runs, in 1955. It’s a union shop, with 165 employees and a 100,000-square-foot factory, one of the last big manufacturers left on Long Island.
Cooper and his partner, Rob — who legally changed his surname when the couple became parents — have five adopted children, ages 14 to 24. After holding a commitment ceremony in 2000, they were married in Old Greenwich, Conn., in April on their 29th anniversary.
He has a very interesting and compelling personal story aside from his accomplished record as a legislator.
. Cooper is something of a hero to Long Island liberals. He has sponsored a local hands-free law for cell phone use while driving; sponsored anti-drug, anti-tobacco and anti-loitering bills; tough residency restrictions for convicted sex offenders; and open space and other environmental bills.
Like many he was alarmed by Al D'Amato's strong support of Gillibrand being appointed to the Senate and the fact that she worked for him.
"Rob said, ‘Isn’t that [former Republican Sen.] Al D’Amato standing next to Gillibrand?’" Cooper recalled. "I couldn’t believe it at first. I said, ‘Nah, it must be someone who looks like Al D’Amato.’ But then I realized it was him. That was a red flag, not just for me but for other progressives."
He is right. New York can do a lot better than someone like Gillibrand.
He hits the nail on the head with this quote
I’ve met thousands of grass-roots Democrats at functions and Democratic clubs all over the place. The vast majority of them don’t trust her."
Gillibrand was conservative on many issues and now she's liberal? Will she stay liberal? Who is she? What does she really believe. She co-sponsors a bill in the house and then votes against a similar bill in the Senate. The DC gun issue is just one of many where Gillibrand baffles.
