2010 United States Senate special election in New York#Appointment

{{Overly detailed|section|details=the details of the appointment process have very little to do with the special election|date=January 2022}}

During the appointment process, a large number of candidates were mentioned, including:

• Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/patersons-future-could-factor-into-choice-for-clinton-successor/ | title=Paterson's Future Could Factor Into Choice for Clinton Successor | author=Berger, Judson | publisher=Fox News | date=December 16, 2008}}
• Former President Bill Clinton{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/01/clinton.replacement/index.html| title=Bill Clinton mentioned for wife's Senate seat | author=Berger, Judson | publisher=CNN| date=December 1, 2008}}
• New York State Attorney General and eventual Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo
• New York State Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito{{cite web | url=http://www.wktv.com/news/local/35332319.html | title=Who could be Clinton's Senate replacement? {{!}} NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 – Utica News, Weather, Sports – {{!}} Local News | publisher=Wktv.com | date=December 1, 2008 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716024815/http://www.wktv.com/news/local/35332319.html | archive-date=July 16, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• Actress and eventual SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher{{cite news | title=Can You Say, 'Senator Drescher'? | work=People | first=Christina | last=Tapper | date=December 9, 2008 | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20245096,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212034929/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20245096,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 12, 2008 }}
• Then-U.S. Representative and eventual seat-appointee Kirsten Gillibrand{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/01/AR2008120102621.html | title=A Rush for Clinton's Senate Seat | author=Richberg, Keith B. | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=December 2, 2008}}
• U.S. Representative Brian Higgins
• U.S. Representative Steve Israel
• Attorney, author, and eventual U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy
• U.S. Representative Nita Lowey
• Former Lieutenant Governor Stan LundineMiller, Rick. [http://www.oleantimesherald.com/articles/2009/01/08/news/doc49663eee1067e452173273.txt Clerk Griffith suggests Lundine for Senate]. Olean Times Herald. January 8, 2009.
• U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/nyregion/28kennedy.html | title=As a Candidate, Kennedy Is Forceful but Elusive | work=The New York Times | date=December 28, 2008 | first1=Nicholas | last1=Confessore | first2=David M. | last2=Halbfinger | access-date=May 27, 2010}}
• U.S. Representative Greg Meeks
• U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler{{Cite episode| credits = Amy Goodwin (Director) | title = Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) Calls for Independent Counsel to Investigate Cheney and Rumsfeld for Violating Torture Laws (Interview)| series = Democracy Now!| access-date =December 25, 2008| date = December 23, 2008| url = http://www.democracynow.org/2008/12/23/rep_jerrold_nadler_d_ny_calls}}
• New York state assemblyman Daniel J. O'Donnell
• Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi{{cite news | url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/25/thomas-suozzi-hillary-cli_n_146438.html | title=Thomas Suozzi: Hillary Clinton's Senate Replacement? | work=HuffPost | date=November 25, 2008 }}
• U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez
• United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten

An early favorite for selection was New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who in the late 1990s had been planning a run for the 2000 Senate election, but had stepped aside once then-First Lady of the United States Clinton had decided to run for the office.{{cite news | url=http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/11/clinton_move_starts_more_senat.php | title=Clinton move starts more Senate jockeying | author=Ambinder, Marc | publisher=The Atlantic | date=November 21, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218063840/http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/11/clinton_move_starts_more_senat.php | archive-date=December 18, 2008 }} But Lowey soon withdrew from consideration, having gained enough seniority to become one of the powerful "cardinals" on the House Appropriations Committee and did not want to relinquish that position.{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/Lowey_doesnt_want_Clintons_Senate_seat.html | title=Lowey withdraws from race to replace Clinton | author=Thrush, Glenn | publisher=Politico | date=December 1, 2008}} Another who withdrew from consideration was New York Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2008/12/velazquez-bows-out.html | title=Velazquez Bows Out | work=New York Daily News | date=December 12, 2008 | access-date=December 17, 2008}}

Senator Schumer did not publicly indicate a preference, but reportedly favored Congresswoman Gillibrand. The indication by Caroline Kennedy that she was possibly interested in being appointed drew the most media attention. Her family legacy (including that her uncle Robert F. Kennedy had previously held the seat) and star power was balanced against her inexperience in politics and elections. Her uncle Senator Ted Kennedy, in a battle with brain cancer, encouraged her to seek the position. On December 15, Kennedy indicated that she was definitely seeking the appointment, making phone calls to Paterson and other prominent Democrats.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/us/politics/16caroline.html | title=Caroline Kennedy Is Seeking Seat Held by Clinton | author=Confessore, Nicholas | work=The New York Times | date=December 15, 2008}} Kennedy and her uncle had backed Obama over Clinton at a crucial time in the long presidential nomination struggle, and some past Clinton supporters initially disparaged Kennedy's qualifications for the senate seat.{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Clinton_chides_supporters_on_Kennedy.html | title=Clinton chides supporters on Kennedy | author=Smith, Ben | publisher=Politico | date=December 16, 2008}} But soon Clinton told her supporters not to stand in the way of a Kennedy selection; Clinton said she herself would have no public comments on any of the possible choices.{{cite news | url=http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/hillary_spokesperson_she_wont.php | title=Hillary Spokesperson: She Won't Say Anything About Her Successor | author=Sargent, Greg | publisher=Talking Points Memo | date=December 16, 2008 | access-date=December 17, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217140046/http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/hillary_spokesperson_she_wont.php | archive-date=December 17, 2008 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

Public opinion polls showed that Kennedy and Cuomo were the two most popular choices of New York residents, with their large name recognition factors playing a role.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1865272,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212011851/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1865272,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 12, 2008 | title=The Other Senate Vacancy: Who Will Replace Hillary? | author=Pickert, Kate | magazine=Time | date=December 9, 2008}} Paterson faced a complex set of factors in making the choice. Women's groups were pressuring him to replace Clinton with another woman, while upstate groups were dissatisfied at their lack of representation in top-level statewide offices. Paterson's own gubernatorial election campaign could benefit from a Democratic star such as Kennedy in the senate race, which would help him raise money and increase voter enthusiasm, while the choice of Kennedy would also bolster his relations with the Obama administration. Whatever candidate is chosen would be faced with likely having to raise $35 million for the 2010 special election and then, if victorious, another $35 million for the 2012 regular election two years later.

By later in December, Kennedy had mounted a concerted effort to gain support around the state, and had made several trips and appearances as well. Kennedy's appointment was supported by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter,{{cite news | first=Ben | last=Smith | title=Kennedy's first endorsement | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Kennedys_first_endorsement.html?showall | publisher=Politico| date=December 16, 2008 | access-date=December 16, 2008}} State Assemblyman Vito Lopez, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg,{{cite news | title=Another Senator Kennedy? | url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/6540115/ | agency=Associated Press | publisher=WABC-TV | location=New York | date=December 5, 2008 | access-date=December 5, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129230042/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Fpolitics&id=6540115&rss=rss-wabc-article-6540115 | archive-date=January 29, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} former New York City Mayor Ed Koch and the New York Post editorial page.{{cite news | title=Kennedy for the Senate | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/12162008/postopinion/editorials/kennedy_for_the_senate_144454.htm | work=New York Post | date=December 16, 2008 | access-date=December 17, 2008 | archive-date=March 21, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321233835/http://www.nypost.com/seven/12162008/postopinion/editorials/kennedy_for_the_senate_144454.htm | url-status=dead }} She received criticism for not voting in a number of Democratic primaries and general elections since registering in 1988 in New York City{{cite news | first=Erin | last=Einhorn | author2=Saltonstall, David | title=Records show Caroline Kennedy failed to cast her vote many times since 1988 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/18/2008-12-18_records_show_caroline_kennedy_failed_to_.html | work=New York Daily News | date=December 19, 2008 | access-date=December 19, 2008}} and also for not providing details about her political views.{{cite news | author=Salstonstall, David | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/17/2008-12-17_we_know_caroline_kennedys_name_but_not_h.html | title=We know Caroline Kennedy's name, but not her views on the issues | work=New York Daily News | date=December 17, 2008 | access-date=December 20, 2008}}

Kennedy declined to make disclosures of her financial dealings or other personal matters, stating that she would not release the information publicly unless she was selected by Paterson, at which time she would be subject to the same background checks as all appointees.{{cite news | first=David | last=Halbfinger | title=Kennedy Declines to Make Financial Disclosure | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/nyregion/23kennedy.html?ref=politics | work=The New York Times | date=December 22, 2008 | access-date=December 23, 2008 }} Kennedy acknowledged that she was going to have to prove herself: "Going into politics is something people have asked me about forever. When this opportunity came along, which was sort of unexpected, I thought, `Well, maybe now. How about now?' [I'll have to] work twice as hard as anybody else ... I am an unconventional choice ... We're starting to see there are many ways into public life and public service."{{cite news | first=Larry | last=Neumeister | title=Kennedy says 9/11, Obama led her to public service | url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Dec26/0,4670,CarolineKennedy,00.html | agency=Associated Press | date=December 26, 2008 | access-date=December 26, 2008 | work=Fox News | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231023134/http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Dec26/0,4670,CarolineKennedy,00.html | archive-date=December 31, 2008 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

The apparent effort by Kennedy forces to make her appear the "inevitable" choice drew reports of resistance among Democratic officials, including Paterson himself.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/nyregion/24kennedy.html | title=Resistance to Kennedy Grows Among Democrats | author=Confessore, Nicholas | work=The New York Times | date=December 23, 2008 | access-date=December 27, 2008}} Kennedy said she will not run for the seat in 2010 if she is not appointed by Paterson.{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/More_Caroline_Spoke_to_Hillary_wont_run_if_not_selected.html | title=More Caroline: Spoke to Hillary, won't run if not selected | first=Ben | last=Smith | publisher=Politico | date=December 26, 2008 | access-date=December 27, 2008}} In late December 2008, Kennedy drew criticism from several media outlets for lacking clarity in interviews, and for using the phrase "you know" 168 times during a 30-minute interview with NY1.[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123060542110241631 Not Ready for SNL: Caroline Kennedy's 168 'you knows.'], Wall St. Journal, December 29, 2008 At one point, there was speculation among Democratic Party officials that Paterson would make a caretaker appointment, meaning someone who would pledge to only serve the two years and not run in 2010.{{cite news | url=http://wcbstv.com/politics/ny.caretaker.senator.2.897875.html | title=Bill Clinton A Possible N.Y. Senate 'Caretaker?' | publisher=Associated Press, WCBS-TV | date=January 1, 2009 | access-date=January 2, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101122038/http://wcbstv.com/politics/ny.caretaker.senator.2.897875.html | archive-date=January 1, 2009 }} This would allow Paterson to avoid choosing among competing choices and give them a level playing field two years hence. Speculation even focused on former President Bill Clinton as the caretaker, but on New Year's Day Paterson seemed to indicate he was not inclined towards the idea: "In the United States Senate, the most effective senators are the ones that have seniority."{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/01/2009-01-01_paterson_no_caretaker_for_hillary_clinto.html | author1=Blain, G. | author2=Lovett, K. | name-list-style=amp | work=New York Daily News | date=January 2, 2009 | access-date=January 2, 2009 | title=Paterson: No 'caretaker' for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat}}

By early January 2009, Kennedy's support had dropped in public opinion polls, with 44 percent of New Yorkers saying they had a lesser impression of her since she began her campaign for the appointment, versus 23 percent having a better impression. A mid-January Quinnipiac University Polling Institute poll showed Cuomo 7 percentage points ahead of Kennedy in voter preference, and more voters than not thinking Kennedy was unqualified for the position.{{cite news | url=http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1318.xml?ReleaseID=1246 | title=Kennedy Fades As New Yorkers Back Cuomo For Senate, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; More Voters Don't Think Kennedy Is Qualified | publisher=Quinnipiac University | date=January 14, 2009 | access-date=January 16, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116100405/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1318.xml?ReleaseID=1246 | archive-date=January 16, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} Paterson made all interested candidates submit lengthy vetting documents as part of their candidacy.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/nyregion/09senate.html | title=Seeking Clinton's Seat, Would-Be Senators Provide Exhaustive Background Details | author=Hakim and Confessore | work=The New York Times | date=January 8, 2009 | access-date=January 10, 2009}} An official of the League of Women Voters criticized Paterson for not making the vetting questions public. Paterson said he would announce his decision shortly after the Obama inauguration.{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0109/Paterson_will_choose_right_after_inauguration.html | title=Paterson will choose 'right after inauguration' | author=Smith, Ben | publisher=Politico | date=January 16, 2009 | access-date=January 16, 2009}}

On January 22, 2009, after several conflicting reports,{{cite news | title=Kennedy Withdraws Senate Bid | author1=Confessore, Nicholas | author2=Hakim, Danny | name-list-style=amp | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/nyregion/22caroline.html?hp | work=The New York Times | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=January 22, 2009}} Kennedy released a statement withdrawing from consideration for the seat, citing personal reasons.{{cite news | title=Caroline Kennedy withdraws Senate bid | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28780112 | work=NBC News | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=January 22, 2009}} The following day, further conflicting reports ensued over what the specific reason was for Kennedy's withdrawal, and whether or not Paterson would have picked her had she stayed in.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/nyregion/24senator.html | title=Paterson Picks Gillibrand for Senate | author1=Confessore, Nicholas | author2=Hakim, Danny | name-list-style=amp | work=The New York Times | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=January 23, 2009}} Some of the reports were based on Paterson's office planting false stories with the press that Kennedy had serious problems with the hiring of a nanny or unpaid taxes.{{cite news | title=In Attack on Kennedy, Echo of a Spitzer Tactic | author1=Hakim, Danny | author2=Confessore, Nicholas | name-list-style=amp | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/nyregion/04paterson.html | work=The New York Times | date=February 3, 2009 | access-date=February 23, 2009}}

On the same day that Kennedy dropped out, WPIX-TV and the Albany Times Union reported that Governor Paterson was expected to announce he was appointing Kirsten Gillibrand.{{cite web | url=http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/10818/gillibrand-gaining-steam | title=Gillibrand gaining steam (Updated) – Capitol Confidential | publisher=Blogs.timesunion.com | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126232357/http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/10818/gillibrand-gaining-steam | archive-date=January 26, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} The Governor made the official announcement of Gillibrand's appointment at a press conference in Albany on January 23, 2009.{{cite news | url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-stsena2412393378jan24,0,6380085.story | title=Gillibrand vows to represent both downstate, upstate | author=Madore, James T. | work=Newsday | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=January 24, 2009}}

By a month later, Paterson had conceded that his office had been responsible for leaks at the end of the appointment process, intended to contest the Kennedy camp's claim that she had been his first choice for the position.{{cite news | title=Paterson Had Staff Deny Kennedy Was Top Choice | author1=Hakim, Danny | author2=Confessore, Nicholas | name-list-style=amp | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/nyregion/21paterson.html | work=The New York Times | date=February 20, 2009 | access-date=February 23, 2009}} Paterson said, however, that he had not expected the level of attacks that ensued from his office at the time: "The things said about Caroline I found despicable and shocking and very painful. I never would have imagined removing the idea that this is my first choice meant a character assassination."

The Democratic primary election was held on September 14, 2010.{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2010/01/your_2010_election_calendar.html | title=Your 2010 Election Calendar | date=January 25, 2010 | access-date=April 19, 2010 | publisher=National Public Radio | first=Ken | last=Rudin | author-link=Ken Rudin}}

Paterson's appointment of Gillibrand alienated Caroline Kennedy and Andrew Cuomo supporters as well as some key liberal Democratic ideological constituencies, and made it possible that the centrist Gillibrand would face a primary challenge in 2010.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012300297.html?hpid=moreheadlines | title=Rep. Gillibrand Chosen For Clinton Senate Seat | author=Richburg, Keith B. | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=January 24, 2009 | access-date=January 24, 2009}} She did not have the full backing of the New York congressional delegation either, and one state Democratic operative said, "I think she's going to get a serious primary in 2010."{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17877.html | title=Gillibrand unpopular among peers | author1=O'Connor, Patrick | author2=Thrush, Glenn | name-list-style=amp | publisher=Politico | date=January 24, 2009 | access-date=January 24, 2009}}

Carolyn McCarthy, formerly a colleague of Gillibrand's in the New York delegation to the United States House of Representatives, said that if Gillibrand was appointed, she would mount a primary campaign against her in 2010 if no other candidate who favored stricter gun control laws did so.{{cite news | title=McCarthy knocks Gillibrand as choice for Senate | author=Reid J. Epstein | work=Newsday | url=http://www.newsday.com/news/local/politics/ny-pocaro2312389719jan23,0,7165375.story | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=January 23, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023|fix-attempted=yes}} McCarthy is known as a staunch advocate of gun control laws, after her husband was murdered in a 1993 commuter train shooting spree, while Gillibrand was endorsed by the National Rifle Association of America.{{cite web | url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/31669-1.html?type=printer_friendly | title=Paterson to Announce New York Senate Appointment Friday | publisher=Roll Call | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124012407/http://www.rollcall.com/news/31669-1.html |archive-date=January 24, 2009 |url-status=dead}}New York Times. [http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/congresswomen-could-be-in-senate-showdown With Kennedy Out, N.R.A. Becomes Issue] January 22, 2009 Gillibrand also served as a lawyer for Philip Morris, Inc.{{cite web | first=Tom | last=Robbins | url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-02-11/columns/gillibrand-learned-how-to-defend-tobacco-s-dirtiest-secrets-as-a-young-lawyer | title=Gillibrand Learned How to Defend Tobacco's Dirtiest Secrets as a Young Lawyer – Page 1 – Columns – New York | publisher=Village Voice | date=February 11, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215121906/http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-02-11/columns/gillibrand-learned-how-to-defend-tobacco-s-dirtiest-secrets-as-a-young-lawyer |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |url-status=dead}}

Despite the potential for a primary challenge, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman Bob Menendez, Senator from New Jersey, suggested that by the election, Gillibrand "will have convinced her fellow Democrats that she deserves their support."{{cite web | url=http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/02/menendez.php | title=Menendez: DSCC Will Support Appointed Dem Senators – Hotline On Call | publisher=Hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420002620/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/02/menendez.php | archive-date=April 20, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} However, a February 2009 Quinnipiac University Polling Institute poll showed Gillibrand losing a hypothetical primary matchup to McCarthy, and Gillibrand was said to be worried that Governor Paterson's declining popularity would pull her down too.{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232009/news/columnists/gilly_getting_the_willies_156503.htm | title=Gilly Getting the Willies | author=Dicker, Fredric U. | work=New York Post | date=February 23, 2009 | access-date=February 23, 2009}} Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/nyregion/05senate.html | title=Challengers to Gillibrand Emerging | work=The New York Times | author=Hakim, Danny | date=March 4, 2009}} were also seriously considering a primary challenge to Gillibrand, as was Long Island Congressman Steve Israel. In April 2009, Stringer formed an exploratory committee towards that end.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/nyregion/17stringer.html | title=Manhattan Borough Chief May Seek Gillibrand's Job | author=Hernandez, Raymond | work=The New York Times | date=April 16, 2009 | access-date=April 17, 2009}} Despite the possible challenges, by April 2009 Gillibrand had raised $2.3 million in campaign funds since joining the Senate.

In May 2009, Obama persuaded Israel to forsake a run, in the interests of not having a messy primary.{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0509/Obama_convinces_Israel_not_to_run_for_Senate.html | title=Obama convinces Israel not to run for Senate – The Scorecard | publisher=Politico | access-date=June 14, 2010}}{{cite web | last=Allen | first=Jonathan | url=http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/05/maloney-not-ready-to-follow-is.html | title=Maloney Not Ready To Follow Israel's Lead and Bow Out of NY Senate Field – The Eye (CQ Politics) | publisher=Blogs.cqpolitics.com | date=May 17, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521072810/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/05/maloney-not-ready-to-follow-is.html | archive-date=May 21, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} Obama's intervention was largely at the request of Gillibrand patron Charles Schumer. However, Congresswoman Maloney indicated that she was still considering a primary challenge and that Israel's decision would not influence hers. Several days later, Stringer said he would not run either, for the same reasons as Israel.{{cite web | url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/another-gillibrand-challenger-gone-as-obama-wishes-2009-05-19.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524021508/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/another-gillibrand-challenger-gone-as-obama-wishes-2009-05-19.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 24, 2009 | title=News Archive | publisher=The Hill | access-date=June 14, 2010}} In the wake of their withdrawals, Congressman José Serrano considered running for a while.{{cite news | url=http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/05/nysen-rep-serrano-weighs-prima.html | title=New York Senate: Serrano Weighs Democratic Primary against Gillibrand | author=Allen, Jonathan | publisher=CQ Politics | date=May 20, 2009 | access-date=May 20, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522203833/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/05/nysen-rep-serrano-weighs-prima.html | archive-date=May 22, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

In early June 2009, Congresswoman McCarthy took herself out of any run.{{cite news | url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000003135203 | title=Rep. McCarthy Won't Take On Gillibrand In Senate Primary | author=Allen, Jonathan | publisher=CQPolitics | date=June 4, 2009 | access-date=June 12, 2009}} {{Dead link | date=November 2010 | bot=H3llBot}} McCarthy, who had raised only a small fraction of the amount of money Gillibrand had, said her declining was for personal reasons. Maloney, however, still seemed likely to run, and a conversation with Vice President Joe Biden did not change her mind. Several House Democrats from New York said that the White House's interventions to forestall a primary race had been unwise.{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23727.html | title=Renegade Democrats buck Barack Obama | author=Martin, Jonathan | publisher=Politico | date=June 14, 2009 | access-date=June 16, 2009}}

As July 2009 began, a senior advisor to Maloney indicated that the congresswoman definitely was in, saying "She's decided to run because she believes there needs to be a debate on the real issues and she wants to give New Yorkers a choice."{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/07/01/2009-07-01_maloney_vows_to_challenge_gillibrand.html?print=1&page=all | title=Rep. Maloney vows to challenge Sen. Gillibrand for Senate seat in primary | work=New York Daily News | location=New York | date=July 1, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first=Michael | last=Saul}} However, after facing difficulties in hiring staff, and losing some longtime supporters and organizational support in preparation for a bid,{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/us/politics/02maloney.html | work=The New York Times | title=For an Insider, a Lonely Road to Senate Run | first=Raymond | last=Hernandez | date=July 2, 2009 | access-date=May 27, 2010}} Maloney backed out in August 2009.{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0809/Maloney_not_running_against_Gillibrand.html | title=Maloney not running against Gillibrand – The Scorecard | publisher=Politico | access-date=June 14, 2010}}

In September 2009, a New York Post report that former Governor Eliot Spitzer was considering a Senate run{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/09012009/news/regionalnews/you_cant_keep_a_bad_man_down_187551.htm | title=YOU CAN'T KEEP A BAD MAN DOWN: SPITZER IS EYEING A COMEBACK | work=New York Post | first=Maggie | last=Haberman | date=September 1, 2009 | access-date=September 1, 2009}} were labeled "totally untrue" and "ridiculous" by Spitzer and his allies.{{cite news | url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/reports-spitzer-won-t-run-for-senate-seat-1.1413761 | title=Reports: Spitzer won't run for Senate seat | date=September 1, 2009 | author= REID J. EPSTEIN | work=Newsday}}

During 2009, Suffolk County legislature Majority Leader Jon Cooper seriously considered running against Gillibrand,{{cite news | url=http://www.cityhallnews.com/news/132/ARTICLE/1837/2009-03-16.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201918/http://www.cityhallnews.com/news/132/ARTICLE/1837/2009-03-16.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | title=Jon Cooper, Obama's Long Island Man, Weighs Gillibrand Challenge | author=Gentile, Sal | publisher=City Hall News | date=March 16, 2009 | access-date=April 10, 2009}} but at the end of the year he opted out of running and endorsed Gillibrand instead.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/12/gillibrand-opponent-becomes-gi.html | title=Gillibrand Opponent Becomes Gillibrand Believer | author=Benjamin, Elizabeth | newspaper=New York Daily News | date=December 14, 2009 | access-date=December 19, 2009}}

Labor activist and 2006 Senate challenger Jonathan Tasini announced his candidacy as a Democratic opponent to Gillibrand in late 2009. Thereafter, however, he withdrew from the race, choosing instead to mount a primary challenge to Congressman Charles Rangel.

In January 2010, The New York Times reported that former congressman Harold Ford Jr. of Tennessee was considering a primary challenge against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Ford moved to New York City after his unsuccessful senate run in Tennessee and was working as a vice-president of Merrill Lynch. He was reportedly backed by several high-profile Democrats, prominent Democratic donors and Wall Street executives who were dissatisfied with Senator Gillibrand.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/nyregion/06ford.html?scp=1&sq=harold%20ford&st=cse | work=The New York Times | title=Harold Ford Jr. Weighs a Challenge to Gillibrand | first=Michael | last=Barbaro | date=January 6, 2010 | access-date=May 27, 2010}} The New York Times originally reported that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg might support Ford in a primary challenge. They later reported however, that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called Mayor Bloomberg to discuss the possibility of Bloomberg backing Ford but they reported that he assured the Majority Leader "that he was not personally involved in the effort to promote a Ford candidacy." Senator Schumer reportedly met with Ford to try and dissuade him from challenging Gillibrand but said the meeting had been planned months in advance.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/nyregion/08ford.html?partner=rss&emc=rss | work=The New York Times | title=Potential Ford Senate Bid Sets Off Scramble | first1=Michael | last1=Barbaro | first2=Raymond | last2=Hernandez | date=January 8, 2010 | access-date=May 27, 2010}} Ford had already drawn fire from liberal advocacy groups and Gillibrand supporters who criticized Ford as being too conservative for the state, citing his anti-abortion stance, support for gun rights, and his previous opposition to same-sex marriage and pro-business stance.{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/08/harold-ford-abortion-atta_n_416734.html | title=Harold Ford Abortion Attack: NARAL Hits Possible Gillibrand Challenger On 'Pro-Life' Stance | work=HuffPost | date= January 8, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first=David | last=Weiner}} Ford sought to portray himself as an independent voice for New Yorkers saying that he wouldn't be "intimidated or bullied" by "Albany and Washington." Gillibrand's allies sought to portray Ford as opportunistic and out-of-step with New York Democratic voters, citing his conservative record as a Representative of a southern state in Congress. Gillibrand's camp denied intimidation efforts against Ford, saying that Gillibrands supporters "aren't bullying, they're informing New Yorkers." .{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/nyregion/09ford.html | work=The New York Times| title=Ford Says He Won't Be Bullied by Allies of Gillibrand | first=Michael | last=Barbaro | date=January 9, 2010 | access-date=May 27, 2010}}

The tussle was enough to bring renewed attempts to lure Congressman Steve Israel into reconsidering a race to represent liberal interests, but his spokesperson said, "The congressman appreciates the encouragement he's received to reconsider his decision regarding the U.S. Senate race in New York. That said, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which he'd re-enter the race."{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/01/polling-israel-for-senate.html | title=Polling Israel For Senate? | work=New York Daily News | location=New York | date=January 26, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first=Celeste | last=Katz}} On March 1, Ford indicated that he would not in fact run. On July 14, 2010, New York City attorney Gail Goode delivered 45,000 petitions to the state Board of Elections in order to qualify for a slot on the Democratic line in the September 14 primary against Gillibrand.{{cite web | url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/gillibrand-finally-gets-a-primary-challenger-in-ny-sen.php | work=Talking Points Memo | title=Gillibrand Finally Gets A Primary Challenger | date=July 15, 2010 | access-date=July 18, 2010}}

• Kirsten Gillibrand, incumbent U.S. Senator
• Gail Goode, attorney

Disqualified"For the office of US Senator (unexpired term), the name of Joseph Huff has been removed, leaving incumbent Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Gail Goode on the September 14 ballot." William Joseph Reynolds, "Updated: NY State Primary Primer:This September 14's Primary elections offer a host of party primaries for various state offices in various parties," August 11, 2010. Found at [http://yorktown.patch.com/articles/ny-state-primary-primer-5 Yorktown Patch website] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715051732/http://yorktown.patch.com/articles/ny-state-primary-primer-5 | date=July 15, 2011 }}. Accessed September 14, 2010.

• Joseph Huff,{{cite web | author=JIMMY VIELKIND Capitol Bureau | url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=951228&category=STATE | title=Candidates tout petition muscle | publisher=Times Union | date=July 16, 2010 | access-date=August 21, 2010}} running on the Rent Is Too Damn High Party line

Withdrew

• Scott Noren, oral surgeon{{cite web | last=Cadei | first=Emily | url=http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/04/new-york-democrat-seeks-to-mou.html | title=New York Democrat Seeks to Mount Senate Race With Small Donors – The Eye (CQ Politics) | publisher=Blogs.cqpolitics.com | date=April 27, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501141406/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/04/new-york-democrat-seeks-to-mou.html | archive-date=May 1, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• Jonathan Tasini, labor activist and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006 (ran for U.S. House){{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/06/tasini-for-senate-again.html | title=Tasini For Senate (Again) | work=New York Daily News | location=New York | date=June 11, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first=Celeste | last=Katz}}{{cite web | url=http://www.newsday.com/news/potential-gillibrand-challenger-eyes-rangel-instead-1.1909293 | title=Potential Gillibrand challenger eyes Rangel instead | work=Newsday | location=New York | date=May 12, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}}

Declined

• Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General of New York (ran for governor)
• Harold Ford, Jr., former U.S. Representative from Tennessee's 9th congressional district (1997{{emdash}}2007) and chair of the Democratic Leadership Council{{cite news | author=AP | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/01/ford-wont-run-gillibrand-new-york/?test=latestnews | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305221655/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/01/ford-wont-run-gillibrand-new-york/?test=latestnews | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 5, 2010 | title=Ford: Dems 'Bullied Me Out' of N.Y. Senate Race | publisher=Fox News | date= March 2, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}}[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/nyregion/06ford.html?ref=nyregion "Harold Ford Jr. Weighs a Challenge to Gillibrand"], The New York Times, January 5, 2010
• Steve Israel, U.S. Representative for New York's 2nd congressional district since 2001
• Caroline Kennedy, author and daughter of John F. Kennedy
• Carolyn Maloney, U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 1993
• Eliot Spitzer, former governor of New York
• Tom Suozzi, former Nassau County Executive and mayor of Glen Cove
• Bill Thompson, former New York City Comptroller

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Democratic Primary results{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/2010/maps/#/Senate/2010/NY | title=New York, Class I Special Election Senate Primary Results | work=Politico| date=September 14, 2010 | access-date=September 14, 2010}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Kirsten Gillibrand (Incumbent)

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 464512

| percentage = 76.1%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Gail Goode

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 145,491

| percentage = 23.9%

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 610,003

| percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

== Republican primary==

The Republican primary election was held on September 14, 2010.

Congressman Peter T. King made his likely candidacy clear in December 2008,{{cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/10/ny-rep-peter-king-interested-hillarys-senate-seat | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918104551/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/10/ny-rep-peter-king-interested-hillarys-senate-seat/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 18, 2012 | title=Peter King interested Hillarys Senate Seat | publisher=Fox News | date= December 10, 2008 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} partly to mention that he was not challenging former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani as the latter was not in the running and partly to counter the wave of publicity for Caroline Kennedy.{{cite news | url=http://feeds.foxnews.com/~r/foxnews/latest/~3/fEMebUzCPBI | title=Peter King intends to run for Senate in 2010 | publisher=Fox News | date=December 17, 2008 | access-date=June 14, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} By January 2009, King was still deliberating over whether he would run, with the main factor being whether he could raise the estimated millions he would need.{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0109/NRSC_chair_encourages_King_candidacy.html | title=NRSC chair encourages King candidacy | author=Kraushaar, Josh | publisher=Politico | date=January 5, 2009 | access-date=January 6, 2009}} National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair John Cornyn was said to support King, which could keep other Republican contenders out of play. However, Cornyn reportedly met with former Governor George Pataki to discuss his potential candidacy,[https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jn3kCOceMPF7iuG4FzHbl_EgrQZgD96EQ0NO0] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223214856/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jn3kCOceMPF7iuG4FzHbl_EgrQZgD96EQ0NO0|date=February 23, 2009}} which other Republicans were advocating.{{cite web | url=http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/94253/republicans-rumored-to-be-pushing-pataki-to-run-for-senate/Default.aspx | title=Republicans Rumored To Be Pushing Pataki To Run For Senate | publisher=NY1.com | access-date=June 14, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In June 2009, due to an appointment to the House Intelligence Committee, King said he was much less likely to run.{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0609/King_intel_appointment_scotches_NY_Senate_bid.html?showall | title=King iffy on NY Senate after intel appointment – Glenn Thrush | date=June 29, 2009 | publisher=Politico | access-date=June 14, 2010}} As August 2009 closed, King announced officially that he would not run, saying: "Senator Gillibrand generates neither strong support nor opposition. This makes it virtually impossible for me to raise the campaign funds I would need to overcome the built-in Democratic registration advantage and the countless millions of dollars which the Democrats will make available to Senator Gillibrand."{{cite web | url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/king-won-t-run-for-u-s-senate-1.1410638 | title=King won't challenge Gillibrand for U.S. Senate | work=Newsday | location=New York | date=August 31, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} In September 2009, Giuliani reiterated that he had no interest at all in running for the Senate seat,{{cite news | url=http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/09/rudy_giuliani_too_good_for_the.html | title=Rudy Giuliani Too Damn Good for the Senate | author=Amira, Dan | work=New York | date=September 15, 2009}} though, much like Andrew Cuomo's anticipated desire to run for governor, it did not stop speculation that Giuliani might change his mind, and by October 2009, speculation continued that Giuliani would run for the Senate seat, particularly if Cuomo ran for governor.Illuzzi, Joseph (October 30, 2009). "A Few Things." [http://politicsny.net PoliticsNY.net]. Retrieved October 30, 2009. On November 19, 2009, the New York Daily News reported Giuliani would not run for governor, and in fact would run for the Senate to fill out the last two years of the Clinton term, then use that as a springboard for another presidential run.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/19/2009-11-19_former_mayor_rudy_giuliani_to_announce_plan_to_run_for_us_senate.html | title=Rudy Giuliani will very likely seek U.S. Senate seat, and if elected maybe 2012 White House: source | work=New York Daily News | location=New York | date=November 19, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first1=Kenneth | last1=Lovett | first2=Elizabeth | last2=Benjamin | first3=David | last3=Saltonstall}}{{cite news | last=Dicker | first=Fredric U. | url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/giuliani_decides_against_running_b2QbnZAG84Ta90xoAqVlXI | title=But Giuliani leaves open possibility of Senate run | work=New York Post | date=November 19, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} However, a Giuliani spokesperson quickly dismissed the notion that any such plan was in place, saying "When Mayor Giuliani makes a decision about serving in public office, he will inform New Yorkers on his own."{{cite web | last=Kraushaar | first=Josh | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1109/Giuliani_for_Senate.html | title=Giuliani for Senate? – The Scorecard | publisher=Politico | date=November 19, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} On November 26, 2009, Mayor of Larchmont Liz Feld said she's considering running for the seat.{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/article/20091126/NEWS02/911260408/1018/NEWS02/Larchmont-mayor-floats-Senate-bid-against-Gillibrand|title=Larchmont mayor floats Senate bid against Gillibrand|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722150249/http://www.lohud.com/article/20091126/NEWS02/911260408/1018/NEWS02/Larchmont-mayor-floats-Senate-bid-against-Gillibrand|archive-date=July 22, 2014|access-date=November 27, 2009}}

In January 2010, Congressman Peter T. King said he was reconsidering running for the seat.{{cite web | last=O'Brien | first=Michael | url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/57909-rep-pete-king-rethinking-senate-run/ | title=Rep. Pete King rethinking Senate run – The Hill's Blog Briefing Room | publisher=The Hill | date=January 4, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} Real estate magnate and publisher Mort Zuckerman was seriously considering a bid by February 2010.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/nyregion/13mort.html | work=The New York Times | title=Zuckerman Is Said to Be Weighing Bid for Senate | first1=Michael | last1=Barbaro | first2=Tim | last2=Arango | date=February 12, 2010 | access-date=May 27, 2010}} Nominally a Democrat, Zuckerman was more likely to run as a Republican or independent in order to avoid an expensive primary fight. But in early March, he indicated he would not run, saying he had not the time to do it.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/02/2010-03-02_mortimer_zuckerman_announces_he_will_not_run_for_the_senate.html | title=Mortimer Zuckerman announces he will not run for the Senate | work=New York Daily News | location=New York | date=March 2, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 }} In April 2010, despite a Quinnipiac University Polling Institute result placing him five points ahead of Gillibrand in a potential matchup, Pataki removed himself from consideration. The former governor instead said he would instead run an organization dedicating itself to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Bruce Blakeman, a former Nassau County legislator and losing candidate in the New York Comptroller election, 1998, was the first to enter the race, doing so in February 2010. On March 16, 2010, former U.S. Representative Joe DioGuardi announced his entrance into the race,{{cite web | url=http://www.wbng.com/news/local/87809437.html | title=Joseph DioGuardi Announces Bid for New York's Senate Seat {{!}} WBNG-TV: News Sports, Weather Binghamton, New York {{!}} Local Top Stories | publisher=Wbng.com | date=March 16, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}} {{Dead link | date=October 2010 | bot=H3llBot}} followed shortly by economist David Malpass. Blakeman and Malpass gained the requisite 25% of delegate votes at the state Republican convention in June 2010, with Blakeman gaining the majority of delegate votes to be the designated nominee; DioGuardi did not, despite leading in primary polls and having the Conservative Party endorsement. DioGuardi filed over 25,000 petitions to get onto the primary ballot and was eligible to compete against Blakeman and Malpass in the Republican primary.Vielkind, Jimmy (July 15, 2010). [http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/29581/dioguardi-ive-got-25666-signatures DioGuardi: I’ve got 25,666 signatures]. Capitol Confidential (Albany Times Union). Retrieved July 16, 2010.

Each candidate had an additional ballot line to run on regardless of whether they won the Republican primary; DioGuardi was backed by the Conservative Party of New York State, Malpass by Carl Paladino's Taxpayers Party of New York, and Blakeman by the Nassau County-based Tax Revolt Party. Malpass cleared the Taxpayers line after the primary loss and ceded it to DioGuardi, but Blakeman remained on the general election ballot as the TRP candidate.{{Cite web |date=2 November 2010 |title=11-02-2010 General Results by County-Congressional District-State Senate District-Assembly District-Judicial District |url=https://results.elections.ny.gov/document/98?page=2 |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=results.elections.ny.gov}}

• Bruce Blakeman, Port Authority Commissioner and 1998 comptroller candidate{{cite web | url=http://nycapitolnews.com/news/126/ARTICLE/1601/2009-12-15.html | title=Curveballs For Cox As He Tries To Pitch Full 2010 Roster | publisher=Nycapitolnews.com | date=December 15, 2009 | access-date=June 14, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Joe DioGuardi, former U.S. Representative
• David Malpass, founder of Encima Global and former chief economist at Bear Stearns{{cite web | url=http://statepolitics.lohudblogs.com/2010/02/03/dioguardi-leaning-very-heavily-toward-u-s-senate-run | title=DioGuardi "Leaning Very Heavily" Toward U.S. Senate Run {{!}} Albany Watch | publisher=Statepolitics.lohudblogs.com | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316020640/http://statepolitics.lohudblogs.com/2010/02/03/dioguardi-leaning-very-heavily-toward-u-s-senate-run/ | archive-date=March 16, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}Benjamin, Elizabeth (March 16, 2010). [http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/03/malpass-in-the-mix.html Malpass in the Mix] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330070939/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/03/malpass-in-the-mix.html | date=March 30, 2010 }}. The Daily Politics (New York Daily News). Retrieved March 16, 2010.

Declined

• Ed Diana, Orange County Executive[http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/22673/cox-yes-im-hearing-from-other-senate-hopefuls Cox: Yes, I'm hearing from other Senate hopefuls]. Albany Times-Union (February 17, 2010).
• Liz Feld, mayor of Larchmont
• Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City and candidate for Senate in 2000
• Peter T. King, U.S. Representative{{cite web | url=http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/king-passes-on-gillibrand-chal.html | date=January 11, 2010 | access-date=January 11, 2010 | work=CQ Politics | first=Emily | last=Cadeii | title=King passes on Gillibrand challenge | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316100117/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/king-passes-on-gillibrand-chal.html | archive-date=March 16, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• Brian Kolb, Minority Leader of the New York Assembly{{cite web | url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/22003/kolb-v-gillibrand | title=Kolb v. Gillibrand? – Capitol Confidential | publisher=Blog.timesunion.com | date=January 27, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}}
• Susan Molinari, former U.S. Representative{{cite web | url=http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/molinari-ends-brief-flirtation.html | date=January 11, 2010 | access-date=January 11, 2010 | work=CQ Politics | first=Emily | last=Cadeii | title=Molinari ends brief flirtation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114162832/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/molinari-ends-brief-flirtation.html | archive-date=January 14, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• George Pataki, former governor of New York[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304604204575182491078039802?mod=googlenews_wsj "Pataki Isn't Joining New York Senate Race "], The Wall Street Journal[http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/monday/news/ny-stking266013108jan26,0,3711256.story "Gillibrand draws opponents from both parties"] Newsday January 26, 2009.
• Dan Senor, former adviser to President George W. Bush{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knickerbocker/exclusive_republican_bush_adviser_T930L2paj5grGJUA0dKRdK | title=Exclusive: Ex-Bush adviser Dan Senor weighing run against Gillibrand as Republican | work=New York Post | date=February 24, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first1=Maggie | last1=Haberman | first2=Fredric U. | last2=Dicker | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420063442/http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knickerbocker/exclusive_republican_bush_adviser_T930L2paj5grGJUA0dKRdK | archive-date=April 20, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• Diana Taylor, de facto First Lady of New York City and former state banking superintendent{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knickerbocker/exclusive_bloomberg_girlfriend_diana_d7YQyTG2ZAkaeddBWTcldI | title=Exclusive: Bloomberg's girlfriend Diana Taylor considering Senate run: sources | work=New York Post | date=March 12, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | first=Maggie | last=Haberman | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801235725/http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knickerbocker/exclusive_bloomberg_girlfriend_diana_d7YQyTG2ZAkaeddBWTcldI | archive-date=August 1, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• C. Scott Vanderhoef, Rockland County Executive and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2006{{cite web | url=http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2010/03/04/vanderhoef-forms-u-s-senate-exploratory-committee | title=Vanderhoef Forms U.S. Senate Exploratory Committee {{!}} Politics on the Hudson | publisher=Polhudson.lohudblogs.com | date=March 4, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010 | archive-date=March 18, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318003612/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2010/03/04/vanderhoef-forms-u-s-senate-exploratory-committee/ | url-status=dead }}
• Mort Zuckerman, owner of the New York Daily News{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Ben | url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0310/Morts_out.html | title=Mort's out – Ben Smith | publisher=Politico | date=March 2, 2010 | access-date=June 14, 2010}}

[[File:New York U.S. Senate Republican primary special, 2010.svg|thumb|300px|Results by county:

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#e27f7f|DioGuardi}}

|{{legend|#FFC8CD|30–40%}}

|{{legend|#FFB2B2|40–50%}}

|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}

}}

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#ff9955|Malpass}}

|{{legend|#ffcca9|30–40%}}

|{{legend|#ffb580|40–50%}}

}}

]]

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Republican Primary results

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Joe DioGuardi

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 185,483

| percentage = 41.8%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = David Malpass

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 167,151

| percentage = 37.7%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Bruce Blakeman

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 91,312

| percentage = 20.5%

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 443,946

| percentage = 100.0%

}}

{{Election box end}}

• Democratic: Kirsten Gillibrand
• Republican: Joe DioGuardi

• Anti-Prohibition Party: Vivia Morgan
• Conservative Party: Joe DioGuardi
• Green Party: Cecile Lawrence
• Independence Party: Kirsten Gillibrand
• Libertarian Party: John Clifton
• Rent Is Too Damn High Party: Joseph Huff
• Taxpayers Party: Joe DioGuardi (originally David Malpass)
• Tax Revolt Party: Bruce Blakeman
• Working Families Party: Kirsten Gillibrand

Gillibrand claimed to be an independent thinker and takes a back seat to no one. She also released television advertising touting her experience as from upstate New York.{{Cite web |url=http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Gillibrand-DioGuardi-campaign-in-upstate-NY/A-vKKmao-k2TyKHefYu1sg.cspx |title=Gillibrand, DioGuardi campaign in upstate NY – NewsChannel 9 WSYR |access-date=November 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305233825/http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Gillibrand-DioGuardi-campaign-in-upstate-NY/A-vKKmao-k2TyKHefYu1sg.cspx |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} DioGuardi criticized Gillibrand's recent photos in Vogue magazine.{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304023804575566952592140466?mod=googlenews_wsj | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Devlin | last=Barrett | title=Gillibrand, DioGuardi Spar in Debate | date=October 22, 2010}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20101022174908/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39759657/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty Sen. Gillibrand’s hot new D.C. look – TODAY Fashion & Beauty – TODAYshow.com]

• October 16 on WABC-TV{{cite news| url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/gilly_joe_trade_blows_Q8KrTFhIWc1i9glYJ7U6gP | work=New York Post | title=Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Joseph DioGuardi clash in first debate | date=October 16, 2010}}
• October 21 in Russell Sage College in Troy on NY1[http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/127505/gillibrand--republican-rival-joe-dioguardi-debate-on-ny1 Gillibrand, Republican Rival Joe DioGuardi Debate On NY1 – NY1] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024045902/http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/127505/gillibrand--republican-rival-joe-dioguardi-debate-on-ny1 | date=October 24, 2010 }}

{{Election box begin

| title = United States Senate special election in New York, 2010{{cite web | title=2010 Election Results | publisher=New York State Board of Elections | date=December 13, 2008 | access-date=January 26, 2011 | url=http://www.elections.state.ny.us/2010ElectionResults.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917192606/http://www.elections.state.ny.us/2010ElectionResults.html | archive-date=September 17, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}{{Cite web |last=Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives |date=2015-03-09 |title=Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010 |url=https://history.house.gov/Institution/Election-Statistics/2010election/ |page=33 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office}}{{cite web |title=U.S. Senator Election Returns November 2, 2010 Two Year- Unexpired Term |url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2010/general/2010USSenator2YrRecertified09122012.pdf |website=New York State Board of Elections}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Kirsten Gillibrand

| votes = 2,478,163

| percentage = 55.00%

| change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Working Families Party

| candidate = Kirsten Gillibrand

| votes = 182,624

| percentage = 4.05%

| change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Independence Party of New York

| candidate = Kirsten Gillibrand

| votes = 175,574

| percentage = 3.90%

| change =

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Total

| candidate = Kirsten Gillibrand (incumbent)

| votes = 2,836,361

| percentage = 62.95%

| change = -4.05

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Joe DioGuardi

| votes = 1,337,514

| percentage = 29.69%

| change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Conservative Party of New York State

| candidate = Joe DioGuardi

| votes = 244,320

| percentage = 5.42%

| change =

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Total

| candidate = Joe DioGuardi

| votes = 1,581,834

| percentage = 35.11%

| change = +4.11

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

| party = Green Party of the United States

| candidate = Cecile A. Lawrence

| votes = 35,497

| percentage = 0.79%

| change = +0.41

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| candidate = John Clifton

| votes = 18,407

| percentage = 0.41%

| change = -0.12

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Rent Is Too Damn High Party

| candidate = Joseph Huff

| votes = 17,021

| percentage = 0.38%

| change = N/A

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Anti-Prohibition

| candidate = Vivia Morgan

| votes = 11,773

| percentage = 0.26%

| change = N/A

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Tax Revolt

| candidate = Bruce Blakeman

| votes = 4,522

| percentage = 0.10%

| change = N/A

}}

{{Election box total

| votes = 4,505,415

| percentage = 100.0%

| change =

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

| winner = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

• Genesee (largest municipality: Batavia)
• Putnam (largest municipality: Lake Carmel)
• Tioga (largest municipality: Waverly)
• Orleans (largest municipality: Albion)
• Wayne (largest municipality: Newark)

• Hamilton (largest municipality: Long Lake)
• Steuben (largest municipality: Corning)

• Paterson, David (2020). Black, Blind, & in Charge: A Story of Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Adversity. New York: Skyhorse Publishing

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20121019134915/http://www.elections.ny.gov/ New York State Board of Elections]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130408115416/http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=Candidat_32 Official candidate list]
• [http://www.votesmart.org/election_congress_state.php?state_id=NY U.S. Congress candidates for New York] at Project Vote Smart
• [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=491687 New York U.S. Senate 2010] from OurCampaigns.com
• [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?cycle=2010&id=NYS1 Campaign contributions] from Open Secrets
• [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/new_york/election_2010_new_york_special_senate_election Election 2010: New York Special Senate] from Rasmussen Reports
• [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2010/senate/2010_new_york_senate_race.html 2010 New York Senate Race] from Real Clear Politics
• [http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=senate-2010-NY 2010 New York Senate Race]{{dead link | date=July 2016 | bot=InternetArchiveBot | fix-attempted=yes }} from CQ Politics
• [https://archive.today/20130131171942/http://www.pollster.com/polls/ny/10-ny-sen-b-ge.php 2010 New York Senate (B) General Election: All Head-to-Head Matchups] graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com

{{2010 United States elections}}

{{New York elections}}

New York 2010

New York 2010

2010 Special

New York Special

United States Senate Special

United States Senate 2010

Category:Kirsten Gillibrand