Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

(Community Matters) Senator Gillibrand was in town today for a luncheon. Many thanks to our hosts for seating me next to her. Wow, she blew me away.

My husband is gonna kill me, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve agreed to serve on her national finance committee. She is smart, attuned to her constituents and committed to the principles of a progressive and financially responsible leadership. She believes healthcare reform will pass the Senate this year, and she’s committed to ensuring the Stupak-Pitts amendment doesn’t make it into the final bill, noting that it will set back women’s reproductive rights by 30 years.

w/ State Rep. Elliott Nashitat

She’s also taken the lead in the US Senate on repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, believing Chmn Levin’s hearings will garner the final votes necessary to reach 60 to pass a repeal next year.

w/ National Women’s Political Caucus Chair, Lulu Flores

w/ Marc Winkelman

She’s in a tough place, needs to raise another $10mm at least for the special election in 2010, then another race in 2012 for a full term. She has the potential to be a very important national leader.