Time will tell whether Democratic congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand’s “No” vote was right or wrong from a policy perspective.<\/p>\n
If we’re mired in a Great Depression by Christmas, she might well have cause to regret her decision.<\/p>\n
If Congress reaches a better financial rescue package, she’ll win huge points for patience and principle.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, what’s certain is that the vote was politically astute.<\/p>\n
Once again, Gillibrand has deftly denied Republican challenger Sandy Treadwell a powerful campaign club.<\/p>\n
In an interview with NCPR, Gillibrand was careful to say that her decision wasn’t based on politics — though she did note that the bailout measure was wildly unpopular in her district.<\/p>\n
But if Gillibrand had voted Yes, you can bet that Treadwell would have been up with a ferocious campaign ad within 24 hours.<\/p>\n
It would have also been a rallying cry for Treadwell during the upcoming debates.<\/p>\n
This moment symbolizes the challenge that Treadwell has faced all summer: finding high-profile issues where he and the Democrat actually disagree.<\/p>\n
Both candidates are pro-choice; both describe themselves as essentially post-partisan and centrist; both opposed the $700 billion bailout.<\/p>\n
Treadwell has worked to stake out some distance on tax cuts (he’s signed a pledge to oppose ALL tax increases), the war in Iraq, and ethics (specifically l’affaire Charlie Rangel).<\/p>\n
Given the absence of polling, it’s unclear whether he’s gained much traction.<\/p>\n
If Gillibrand had voted with her party on the bailout, however, the daylight between their positions would have been much more visible to average voters.<\/p>\n
In the end, Treadwell may still craft a compelling argument that will bring home Republican voters in the district.<\/p>\n
He needs to rally thousands of men and women who’ve been defecting more often of late to Democratic candidates.<\/p>\n
This week’s developments make his job that much harder.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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