A rep for Congressman Steve Israel is denying a report of ugly backroom politics where White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel laid down the gauntlet and threatened that the Obama administration would essentially squash his campaign if Israel went ahead and challenged Kirsten Gillibrand in the Democratic Senate primary next year. The fascinating article in City Hall News said that Israel was "1,000 percent in" to run until meeting with Emanuel, who allegedly said that Chuck Schumer would steer big donors clear of the congressman and Obama was "prepared to barnstorm through New York’s black neighborhoods hand-in-hand with (Gillibrand)." The report says that the White House was doing a favor for a Democratic Senate trying to maximize 2010 funding in an effort to hold onto their current supermajority with some room to spare. A spokesman for Chuck Schumer admits the senator had "a friendly conversation" with the potential candidate before he called off his campaign last week. City Hall stands behind their piece, which also paints Emanuel and Israel as old friends who share a love of New York bagels. more ›

If a strongly-worded recommendation from Chuck Schumer wasn't enough to discourage Congressman Steve Israel from challenging Kirsten Gillibrand in next year's Democratic primary for Senate, party brass brought in the big boss to make sure he knew how serious the sentiment was. Israel announced that he had decided not to run yesterday shortly after receiving a call from President Obama. Israel said, "When (the president) asked me to take a leadership role in fighting for his agenda, I wasn't about to say no. He believes that at this critical time...that party unity is important." Carolyn Maloney may be next potential challenger pushed to the side, but it doesn't appear that there is any sign of retreat from Gillibrand's most visible foe since entering the Senate, Carolyn McCarthy. She may also have to face labor activist Jonathan Tasini, who told Politico, "Had the party leadership sought to “clear the field” in 2008 and control a vigorous debate about the direction of our party and our country, Barack Obama would not be president today." more ›

New York Congressional Democrats are warning the state chairwoman not to anoint Kirsten Gillibrand as the party's candidate for Senate in 2010 just yet. Ten representatives signed a letter sent to the party's chair, June O'Neill, telling her not to use party resources to back the incumbent senator. The letter said, "The members of the Democratic State Committee deserve to make a [Senate] choice without being impaired or prejudiced in any way...Some of the cosigners of this letter may support Senator Gillibrand. Some are considering running for the seat." Those who signed and are considering a run include Carolyn McCarthy, Carolyn Maloney and Steve Israel. Gillibrand's reception from many state Dems since being named to the Senate in January has been chilly to say the least. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was the most recent Democrat to make it clear that he'd like to see another Democrat representing New York in the Senate—even if he has to run to do it. more ›

Governor David Paterson headed to Iraq for a surprise visit to deliver gifts and say thank you to the troops. The Daily News reports, "Paterson, joined by Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn,Queens) and Steve Israel (D-L.I.), arrived in Iraq with Yankees andMets baseball caps for the soldiers." more ›