The perils of carpet-baggery

When Hillary Clinton parachuted into New York in 2000, few voters had any illusions about her long-term commitment to the state.

We were a stepping stone, possibly to the White House. Supporters were fine with that notion; critics, not so much.

If Clinton had made it to the Oval Office, her coattails would have helped a lot of New Yorkers — Presidents have a long history of funneling goodies and prestige back to their “home” states.

But Hillary Clinton’s wanderings have suddenly taken her in a new direction, one that does little or nothing for people here.

Instead, we lose almost two full terms of seniority; we lose her experience; and we lose the connections that we in the North Country have developed with Clinton and her office.

Hillary Clinton is a unique case, a political personality unlike any America has seen before. And she has wowed even some of her fiercest critics, proving to be a diligent and effective Senator.

But maybe it really is better for voters to choose politicians with roots in their communities. The Glens Falls Post-Star says it’s time to make the transition:

“With a new representation from someone who’s willing to devote their full attention to improving the lives of New Yorkers, state residents could get a better deal than a former First Lady with her eyes on bigger things.”

What do you think? Was Clinton’s transience a fair price to pay for her star power?