Gillibrand in the Headlines Today

In the Times Union:

Gillibrand wants face time with Sweeney

Democratic congressional hopeful Kirsten Gillibrand challenged U.S. Rep. John Sweeney to a debate on Iraq Thursday and tossed back his earlier "pretty face" comment while throwing down the gauntlet.

Gillibrand, keying off Sweeney's support last week of what Democrats had blasted as a blatantly partisan House resolution supporting President Bush on Iraq, said the resolution "was designed to drive a partisan wedge between Americans" and suggested the two debate the issue.

"Given that you have previously called me just 'a pretty face,' I can't imagine you will be afraid of a substantive debate with me on one of the most pressing issues of the day," Gillibrand added, referring to a comment Sweeney made earlier this year to the Troy Record. ...

And in the Post Star:

Quote of the Day

"He's only offered, 'Stay the course,' which in my view is not a strategy. It's a slogan." -- Democratic congressional candidate Kirsten Gillibrand, speaking about her reasons for wanting to debate incumbent U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, to a debate on Iraq War issues. Sweeney turned down the invitation.

Sweeney dared to debate Iraq war: Gillibrand critical of congressman's view on withdrawal date

Democratic congressional candidate Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday challenged incumbent U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, to a debate on Iraq war issues, an invitation Sweeney quickly turned down.

Gillibrand, in an invitation to Sweeney, criticized his vote last week on a House resolution that declared, "It is not in the national interest of the United States to set an arbitrary date for the withdrawal or redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq."

In a telephone interview, Gillibrand said the two candidates clearly have different views on Iraq.

"He's only offered, 'Stay the course,' which in my view is not a strategy. It's a slogan," she said.

Gillibrand has called for setting a deadline to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq.

She also has said the United States should have no permanent military bases in Iraq and should not make claims on Iraqi oil.

Sweeney would not comment directly, and his campaign spokeswoman Maureen Donovan would not comment on Gillibrand's criticism of his vote on the Iraq resolution....