What makes Gillibrand a particularly prime target for this type of pressure is the makeup of the politics in New York. When you evaluate Gillibrand going forward (and looking back for that matter) - watch her positions on economics and foreign policy - she'll give you all you could want on privacy, choice and gay rights. Heck, I imagine when you compare her to Schumer, she'll be his twin.
As
Nate Silver notes, the New York GOP is not the GOP of the South. Nate correctly states that "an upstate New York sort of conservative is different from an Alabama sort of conservative." But what are those differences?
The differences lie mostly in the social issues realm. Take a look at the NYGOP website. Look in particular at this:
Why Am I a Republican?
I believe in the promise of America and the goodness of the American people.
I believe that the roots of our society are found in strong families, personal faith, solid communities, and love of country.
Personal faith? As you can see, public evangelicism is not a big seller in New York, even among Republicans. As we know now, Gillibrand has already shifted her positions to support gay marriage. she has always been pro-choice. These are issues where Gillibrand will gladly and safely move Left. The GOP piece continues:
. . . I believe that government and governmental programs should be efficient, and provide full accountability for the practices and policies it’s leaders propose and implement.
I believe in the spirit of free enterprise, in which capitalism is the best means to keep our economy running strong, both now and in the future.
I believe that while government can and should be the provider of some essential services, it should function with limited taxation, financial efficiency and the adoption of innovations to allow taxpayers to get the most for their hard-earned tax dollars.
Small government conservatism on economics is still the strong message for the New York GOP (though it clearly never really practiced it.) It is here where Gillibrand should be pressured. for it is in this area that "Blue Doggism" among Dems causes the most harm.
. . .I believe that governments [sic] first and foremost responsibility is the providing of safety and security to our citizens. I believe that the rights of law-abiding citizens should outweigh the rights of criminals and that the enforcement of existing laws, combined with the addition of innovative, common-sense policies, is the best means of furthering a civil society.
Hard lines on foreign policy and against "criminals" is still the calling card for Republicans in New York. More
I believe that our natural environment is a precious resource for all humankind, and that citizens and government should work together to implement common-sense policies that allow for both environmental protection and economic growth.
Protecting the environment is truly a bipartisan issue in New York. Gillibrand will have no problem holding the progressive line on the environment. Now watch how the NY GOP finishes up its pitch:
I believe that in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, all persons are created equal, and that I oppose discrimination in any form, against any person, and for any reason.
I believe in an inclusive political party, a party with a “big tent” approach where I am encouraged to share my beliefs and to disagree with those who share opposing viewpoints.
This is not the Limbaugh/McConnell/Cantor GOP. New York is different. Gillibrand will move easily to the progressive position on social issues and the environment. Watch her and pressure her on economic and foreign policy issues. Those are the areas where progressives should bring pressure to bear. Gillibrand will neutralize her Left flank on the social issues. That's the easy part. But what will she do on economic and foreign policy issues? A potential primary challenger should focus on those issues.
Speaking for me only
