Gillibrand on a fundraising tear

If there were any questions surrounding Kirsten Gillibrand's ability to raise funds, they've been answered loud and clear.

New York's junior Democratic senator pulled in $2 million in the second quarter of 2010. The Associated Press reports Gillibrand has more than $7.2 million in her campaign coffers as she prepares to run for her first full term this fall.

She was appointed to the seat last year by New York Governor David Paterson after Hillary Clinton was appointed U.S. secretary of state.

Three Republicans hopefuls will square off in a September primary. Barring any petitioning setbacks, those candidates will be Bruce Blakeman, Joseph DioGuardi and David Malpass; the deadline to file petitions was Thursday.

Malpass has $2.4 million on-hand; $1.7 million through campaign donations and $1.5 million of his own money. Numbers for Blakeman and DioGuardi weren't available Thursday.

Gillibrand will face a challenge in a September primary. New York City lawyer Gail Goode filed her petitions Thursday morning. She says New Yorkers deserve another option as they had to the polls.

Blakeman, Valpass will faceoff in September primary

Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will have to wait until September to find out who her challenger will be in November.

This from the Associated Press:

NEW YORK (AP) - Republican Senate candidates Bruce Blakeman and David Malpass have earned enough support to run in a September primary in New York.

Republicans meeting in Manhattan are choosing potential challengers to take on Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (KEHR'-sten JIL'-uh-brand).

Malpass to challenge Gillibrand

The Associated Press is reporting that GOP economist David R. Malpass will run against Gillibrand in next fall's election.

Malpass is a former adviser for 2008 presidential candidate Rudy Guliani. He also worked for former presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

GOP pundits see Gillibrand as vulnerable because she was appointed to the post by an unpopular governor -- plus, her approval ratings really haven't budged since she took over for now-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Former Governor George Pataki has been viewed as the strongest potential candidate, but he says he won't run.

Malpass faces primary challengers in former Long Island legislator Bruce Blakeman and former Westchester Congressman Joe DioGuardi.