Kirsten Gillibrand (Incumbent for 2 years)

Alexander “Sandy” Treadwell

Democratic, Working Families

Republican, Conservative, Independence

kirstengillibrand.com

sandytreadwell.com

Education: 
J.D, University of California Los Angeles
B.A, Dartmouth College.

Professional Experience:
Attorney, Private Practice
Special Counsel, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Political Experience:
Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2006-Present.

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees: 
Member, Agriculture Committee
Founder, Congressional High Tech Caucus
Member, House Armed Services Committee.

Gillibrand is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition. She strongly opposes gun control. She is a strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights, and works to protect "responsible" gun owners, coming as she does from a family of "hunters and fishers." This stance is not unusual given the nature of her district; many Hudson Valley residents are hunters and trappers. However, Gillibrand does support liberal stances on some issues such as abortion, environmental protections, and fair trade.

Gillibrand broke with former Governor Eliot Spitzer on the issue of illegal immigration, opposing his plan to issue New York State drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Following the March 10, 2008 revelation of Spitzer's involvement with a high priced prostitution ring, she called on the governor to step down "if the charges are true."

Professional Experience:
Former Reporter, Sports Illustrated.

Political Experience:
New York Secretary of State, 1995-2001.

Organizations:
Vice President, Clark Foundation.

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees: 
President, Lake Placid Regional Winter Sports Committee
Member, Republican National Committee
Chair, New York Republican Committee, 2001-2004.

Grandson of founder of GE, Cousin of Jane Clark. 

Sandy Treadwell served as New York Secretary of State from 1995-2001, leading the reorganization and revitalization of the state’s oldest agency. Under Treadwell the Department of State provided more services and improved efficiency while holding the line on government growth.

In March of 2001, after 15 years of leadership and service in grassroots Republican politics, Treadwell was elected Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee. He served as Chairman until November 2004 when he was elected to represent the Empire State as a member of the Republican National Committee. Some highlights of Treadwell’s tenure as Chairman of New York’s Republican Party include:

The election of a Republican Mayor of New York City for a third consecutive term; The historic landslide reelection of Governor George Pataki in 2002, fueled by a grassroots effort that recruited over 11,000 volunteers across New York State.