Opinion

DOWNSTATE DEMOCRACY: MALONEY’S RIGHT TO RUN

THE ISSUE: Whether Rep. Maloney should challenge Sen. Gillibrand for NY’s US Senate seat.

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I agree that Rep. Carolyn Maloney is doing the right thing as she bravely plans to give Democrats a choice on Primary Day (“Run, Carolyn, Run,” Editorial, July 3).

Sure, she is liberal and has the voting record in Congress to prove it. But this is what democracy is all about — letting the voters go to the polls to make a choice.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Obama and Gov. Paterson do not have the right to make a permanent selection to represent the people of New York for the next six years.

With unemployment soaring, energy costs escalating and the state Senate in chaos, these three fellows should concentrate on doing their jobs.

We, the people, can decide.

Kevin B. Kamen

Baldwin

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It is extremely aggravating to see how downstaters are hyping Maloney for the Senate.

I am sure she would do a fine job of representing New York City and Long Island as senator, but no one has done much representing of upstate until Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed.

We see and hear our interests trashed by those downstate as if we exist solely for their benefit.

Quit acting as if we are inconsequential.

Maloney isn’t much of a representative for anyone but the local interests.

I don’t vote Democrat, but at least Gillibrand will give an honest listen. Maloney is a waste of time.

J. Martin

Schenectady

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I’m glad to see The Post’s support of Maloney.

Even though I’m a life-long Democrat, I would sooner vote for a Rush Limbaugh clone than Gillibrand.

Any right-thinking Democrat can see that our junior senator lives by one principle alone: Do and say whatever is necessary to get elected.

Richard Kahn

Manhattan