New York’s need for proper representation in Washington grows more dire by the day. So kudos to Mayor Bloomberg for exploring a somewhat creative solution to the problem.
Mike is reportedly open to backing former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford in a challenge to unelected Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
Ford, who moved to New York after a failed run for Senate in 2006 and is said to be weighing a run, is untested in Empire State politics — but he’s not likely to do worse than Gillibrand, who’s spent her short tenure as little more than Chuck Schumer’s yes-man.
She’s been amply rewarded, of course: Schumer and his pals in the White House have effectively scared off nearly all serious competitors for the seat.
Left with the short end of the stick is New York’s democracy — not to mention its interests in the nation’s capital.
Bloomberg, it seems, is especially unhappy with Gillibrand’s meek acquiescence to the Senate health-care bill — which, in its present form, would cost New York upwards of a billion dollars.
Might more energetic representation have served the state better?
Well, that sort of question is what elections are designed to sort out — and precisely the issue Schumer, Obama & Co. are desperate to avoid.
Certainly, Mike’s considerable influence — and resources — could go a long way toward balancing the scales.
If he’s willing to inflict a little pain on a person whose slavish deference to Schumer and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid stands to hurt New York a lot — well, good for him.