Among the rooting section: financier Steven Rattner and his wife, Maureen White, prolific Democratic fundraisers. “Maureen and I worked hard for Harold in his last race because we think the world of him,” Rattner told the Times. “He has extraordinary drive and intelligence and will excel at anything that he chooses to do.”
Other key backers include New York Board of Regents Chairman Merryl Tisch, whose husband, James Tisch, is chief executive of Loews Corp.; and HBO co-President Richard Plepler. Even Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican who has publicly tangled with Gillibrand, is said to be open to the idea.
Ford, who followed his father’s footsteps to the House, has a reputation as a formidable fundraiser, which could spell trouble for Gillibrand, who as of October had raised $5.5 million. As chairman of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council, he could appeal to independents. As an African American, he could attract national donors. And as a telegenic member of the media’s chattering classes, he would get lots of attention.
So he packed up, headed to New York, and landed a high-paying job as an executive at Merrill Lynch. But his interest is clearly poltics (his father was a politician), as evidenced by his frequent TV appearances and continued role in the Democratic party.
Wall Street would like him to run, Bloomberg would consider endorsing him, as would several other prominent Democrats. However for the sake of party unity, the very top players like Chuck Schumer would not be keen on a pitched primary battle among Democrats.
But between this, and the wave of Democratic retirements, this is shaping up to be fascinating (and very bloody) midterm election.
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