Democrats, possible contenders, meet at Albany banquet

ALBANY - Though he hasn't yet decided whether to mount a primary challenge to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr. last night asked New Yorkers to give him a chance and pledged to raise his family in the state.

"Thank you for the chance to listen and the chance to learn," he said, referring to residents he has met during his listening tour. "I hope if we decide to go forward, you will give me that opportunity to show you that indeed I can lead."

Ford has been living permanently in New York for about a year. Last night, he gave the keynote speech at a dinner here for the state Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.

Ford and Gillibrand were seated at the same table, though she left before his speech. The crowd of more than 2,000 included many of her supporters and had thinned by the time he rose to speak after 10 p.m.

Some booed him and one man shouted a profanity.

But Ford's self-deprecating humor and modesty won over those who stayed. Political ambitions had nothing to do with his New York move. His wife Emily has worked in New York City since graduating from college, and he said, feels more comfortable about racial attitudes here compared with Tennessee. She is white and he is black.

Ford said, "Whether I run for office in this great state or not, this is home."

Ford and Gillibrand, both Democrats, were cordial but not friendly at the 10-person table. That contrasted with their companions, Gov. David A. Paterson and his presumed primary challenger Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

During the prayer, Paterson reached across an empty chair to hold Cuomo's hand. The two Democrats then chatted and joked together several times.

Asked about a Ford challenge of Gillibrand, Paterson told reporters, "In her year [in the Senate], she's actually exceeded our expectations. I'm quite sure she will be re-elected."

Gillibrand, in welcoming remarks, didn't mention Ford or that she's seeking election. Instead, she stressed her deep roots in Albany and legislation aiding small businesses, veterans and single mothers.

As Cuomo stood backstage, Paterson told the audience that he was running for election "no matter what [critics] say." Paterson received several ovations but some booed when he recalled the state budget cuts over the past two years.

Cuomo spoke of government breaking down racial barriers. "The battle goes on. Discrimination is alive and well in the state of New York." He didn't reveal whether he will run for the Executive Mansion.

Ford will decide by month's end whether to challenge Gillibrand. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Gillibrand leading Ford, 36 percent to 18 percent. Forty percent of voters were undecided.

Both Democrats would beat Republican Bruce Blakeman, a former presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, according to the poll.