Dems Take Sides: Bill Clinton Will Stump for Maloney

Updated 2:53 PM EST, Thu, Jul 2, 2009

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In a slap at President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton will headline a fundraiser for a New York congresswoman challenging White House-backed Sen. Kristen Gillibrand in next year's Democratic primary.

Clinton has not endorsed in the race, but his efforts to help Rep. Carolyn Maloney could be seen as a snub to Gillibrand and the Obama White House. Matt McKenna, a spokesman for Clinton, said he will be attending a July 20 fundraiser in New York.

The White House has played an active role in clearing the field for Gillibrand, appointed this year to fill the seat vacated when Obama tapped Hillary Rodham Clinton to be his secretary of state. Obama asked Rep. Steve Israel not to challenge Gillibrand, a request he honored. Just days ago, Vice President Joe Biden called Maloney to discuss the race, a clear sign that the White House didn't want a primary fight next year.

Bill Clinton also did a fundraising event for Gillibrand, but word of the Maloney event comes as the congresswoman moves toward formally announcing her candidacy. An adviser said this week she is running.

"She's definitely decided to run," the adviser told The New York Daily News . "She's in it."

Both Maloney and Gillibrand supported Hillary Rodham Clinton's failed presidential bid, and Bill Clinton had made a point of thanking supporters.

During the Democratic primaries last year, Bill Clinton publicly criticized Obama as untested and unready for the job of president.

Hillary Rodham Clinton engaged in a grueling and ultimately losing battle with Obama for the party's nomination. Bill Clinton and Obama made amends and the former president eventually campaigned for the Democratic nominee.

Maloney is undaunted, even by White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel's recent expression of support for Gillibrand.

"I stand up for what I think is right," Maloney told The News' Editorial Board in May. "I don't think what they're doing now is right. They're trying to push everyone out of the race.

"I've never lost an election," she added. "I don't intend to start now."