Gillibrand 's seat was held by four-term Republican Rep. John Sweeney , and was considered safe for the GOP when she jumped into the race in 2006 . NEW : Clinton calls Clinton `` an intelligent and dedicated public servant '' ` Kirsten , '' governor says . `` I aspire to follow in her footsteps , '' Kirsten Gillibrand says of Kirsten Gillibrand . Gillibrand defeated longtime Democratic congressman in November .
NEW : Clinton calls Clinton `` an intelligent and dedicated public servant '' ` Kirsten , '' governor says . `` I aspire to follow in her footsteps , '' Kirsten Gillibrand says of Kirsten Gillibrand . Gillibrand defeated longtime Democratic congressman in November .