Follow me on Twitter @QueensTribune

I don’t know Kirstin Gillibrand. She was appointed as United States Senator from New York State to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, by David Paterson, an accidental Governor in crisis, after he publically dissed the surviving member of America’s royal family.

The non-auspicious start for Ms. Gillibrand, who has yet to be tested statewide in an election, was compounded when her ideological beliefs proved inconsistent with the overwhelming majority of Democrats – her party – in New York State. Gillibrand a one-term Congressmember, a Democrat elected to the House from a conservative, Republican, upstate district, perhaps shouldn’t be faulted for being an NRA member, a gun-control proponent who kept rifles under her bed, with an anti immigrant stance and what progressive New Yorkers would reject as Blue Dog, right-leaning tendencies. Perhaps her conservative perspective reflected the beliefs of her district and upbringing.

They were however clearly inconsistent with her electability as a Democrat in our State where downstate expects progressive representation.

So Ms. Gillibrand began to morph. She began advocating gun control, softening her conservative positions and fundraising for election. With popular senior Senator Chuck Schumer leading the way, her potential primary opponents were convinced she was invincible or were otherwise persuaded not to challenge her.

In reality, everyone knew that Gillibrand does not fit the mold of a Democratic U.S. Senator from New York and was absolutely vulnerable in a Democratic Primary where the hard core progressives turn out in greater percentage than others – she was vulnerable in spite of Chuck Schumer and a huge fundraising head start. David Paterson’s support was irrelevant at best.

Kirstin Gillibrand has not convinced this writer that she can represent him or the progressive Democrats of this City and State in the U.S. Senate. Her willingness to change long-standing positions to play to the voters raises questions of principle and commitment. But the preprogrammed Gillibrand steamroller seemed to have cleared the field.

But Gillibrand could lose the seat to a Republican without support from the progressive wing of the party. George Pataki and Rudy Giuliani are clearly two candidates that could take an all-important seat away from the Democratic Party. Compared to Pataki, it is only Gillibrand’s likely support of an Obama agenda that would make this writer consider a vote for her. But we once would have said that about Joe Lieberman. Today, we’d prefer Pataki to him.

Long Island Congressman Steve Israel got out of the Primary race after a call from the White House was arranged. Manhattan Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney was next to abandon the race. Others were kept in line and Gillibrand was expected to have a free ride as the Democratic candidate expect perhaps for Suffolk County Legislature Majority Leader John Cooper, an early Obama supporter, progressive, gay man, with solid liberal credentials and an exploratory committee pursuing a quixotic, underfunded quest.

Till now, that is.

Bill Thompson, a lifelong progressive New York City Dem who has served the people well in a number of positions over the past decades is the latest name in the game. Consistent, reliable, creative and one hell of a nice guy, Bill fits the U.S. Senate mold perfectly.

With the party ready to abandon David Paterson in favor of Andrew Cuomo, having a black man on the statewide ticket would be an advantage to the party and Cuomo.

Thompson demonstrated surprising strength in his challenge of Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thompson was out-gunned financially by the self-funded billionaire. But it was more than that. Mike Bloomberg, with his political independence in a sullied system, had won over many who admired and respected and supported Thompson – including this writer. Yet Thompson shown bright in spite of millions spent to sully his image.

While also mentioned as a State Comptroller candidate – perhaps Cuomo’s choice to challenge incumbent appointed Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, another candidate never tested statewide – Thompson has a clearer path to history by seeking the Senate.

A black man from the city, coincidentally who also served as President of the NYC Board of Ed, has already been State Comptroller – you may remember Carl McCall. And yes, recently, NYC Comptroller Alan Hevesi, after losing for Mayor, ran successfully for State Comptroller. State Comptrollers are, forgive me, nickel and dime positions. You don’t remember them unless they get indicted. Sit back and try to name several others than the two referred to above.

But to be the first black New York United States Senator, to hold the seat previously occupied by Bobby Kennedy and Hillary Clinton, to serve in that august body, the U.S. Senate, is part of history itself and my friend Bill Thompson is up to the task and deserving of the opportunity.

He’s got what it takes.

Kirstin Gillibrand is merely the creation of some political players who found it convenient to promote an aggressive, young, attractive woman. But the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senator from New York is lots more than a beauty contest and on the issues; Bill Thompson represents the positions of the Party and the people of New York.

Run, Bill, Run!

MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com