Gillibrand-for-Senate chatter intensifies

North Country Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand continues to play the dark horse role in maneuvering for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s coveted seat.

Here’s a cheat sheet of the latest developments.

1. An anonymous supporter has unveiled a website supporting her as the pick. View it here. Gillibrand’s staff told the Times-Union that they have nothing to do with it.

2. Politico is reporting that Gillibrand is feuding with the more left-of-center House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi — a fact that could dim her chances. Here’s the nut of the story from Politico columnist Glenn Thrush:

Nancy Pelosi is no fan of Upstate New York Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand — and the speaker’s barely-concealed coolness to the House sophomore is a factor pushing Gillibrand back in the pack in the race to replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to New York Democrats.

People familiar with the situation say Pelosi hasn’t tried to actively scotch Gillibrand’s candidacy — but she’s made no secret she thinks the 42-year-old up-and-comer has been too aggressive about climbing the House leadership ladder.

Gov. David Paterson, who will tap Clinton’s replacement later this month, is well aware of Pelosi’s feelings and isn’t eager to alienate the powerful speaker at a time when the state is asking for billions in federal aid, sources say. That said, he hasn’t ruled anyone out.

“Nancy doesn’t like her, and that certainly can’t help Kirsten [in the Senate scramble],” said one New York Democrat with knowledge of the situation. “There’s real tension between the two when they are both in the same room. You can feel it.”

3. In an interview with the Times-Union’s Leigh Hornbeck, Gillibrand’s staff denied any tension with Pelosi.

“The speaker has been very gracious and generous toward Kirsten,” said Gillibrand spokeswoman Rachel McEneny. “Any allegation to the contrary is uninformed and trying to make waves where none exist.”

Politico has also updated their account of the relationship, pointing out that Gillibrand is being appointed to “a leadership position at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.”

4. Caroline Kennedy is still not a shoo-in. This week, Governor Paterson made it clear that she hasn’t sold him yet. “She does not have much political, I mean, legislative experience, which is a minus,” he said.

The take-away? Gillibrand is still very much in the mix; and regardless of Governor Paterson’s pick, it’s clear that she wants to move up the ladder in Washington fast.

That’s good news for upstate New York, which has lost a lot of influence — in Washington and Alban — the last couple of years.