BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND TO THE U.S. SENATE

I applaud Governor Paterson’s selection of Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the Hillary Clinton seat in the U.S. Senate.

As a Democrat elected in an overwhelmingly Republican district, Congresswoman Gillibrand has proven she has what it takes to fight for all New Yorkers and reach across party lines to get things done. She was also the first woman ever elected to her upstate district, and is only the second woman to represent our state in the U.S. Senate. From women’s health issues and education reform to her support of military families and a bipartisan 9/11 commission, Ms. Gillibrand brings to Washington an impressive record compiled in just a few short years in office. As an attorney, she has given back to the community with pro-bono representation of abused women and children, as well as tenants seeking safe, affordable housing.

She may not be from Brooklyn, but I believe our new senator understands the pressing needs of our nation’s great cities—including its “National City” and our state’s strongest economic engine, New York City—and will work well with President Obama and Congress to bring economic renewal to New York and America. I’m confident that Senator Gillibrand will excel in this position and continue the outstanding work of her predecessor, and I look forward to working with her on issues important to Brooklyn and New York City.