Gillibrand still chasing LI edge

New York's junior U.S. senator spoke of agreement on a federal deficit cap under certain conditions. She expected a "moderate" energy bill this year. She called for a massive new infrastructure bank. And she said, "We may be able to do some measure of immigration reform -- probably not a lot."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was briefing a small group of invited guests Friday at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein in Mineola, a business- and tax-oriented law firm. The daughter of attorneys, who herself practiced at big firms for many years, Gillibrand sounded guarded but not out of place, as she talked her way quickly through relevant topics, sprinkling in catchphrases like "win-win."

Last November, she hurdled from gubernatorial appointee to elected official, winning the remainder of Hillary Rodham Clinton's term, beating way-outfunded Republican Joseph DioGuardi with nearly 64 percent. The Democrat faces voters again next year for a full six-year term. Some believe she's still trying to resonate on Long Island -- where she got just 54 percent. Most believe next year augurs a different kind of landscape, shaped by the presidential race.

"Several people are taking a serious look at running against her," a GOP source said. "She was weaker last year -- but so were we." And a significant Democratic primary, which she finessed last time with high-level help? No sign of one so far.

SUDDENLY SCHUMER:At the Adelphi University graduation Friday, New York's senior senator, Democrat Charles Schumer, was nowhere listed on the printed programs. But sure enough, he showed up and spoke. No surprise. There's a hilarious Facebook page titled: "Chuck Schumer Gave the Same Speech at My Graduation As the Rest of NY." One mom's posting states she heard the same Schumer address at her child's kindergarten, fifth grade, junior high, Stony Brook college AND Brooklyn College grad school commencements -- plus her brother's college graduation. Schumer spokesman Mike Morey acknowledged: "There are two things you can always count on at a graduation ceremony in New York -- a diploma and Chuck Schumer."

KING OF BUZZ:Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) may act properly humble about the presidential chatter, but his campaign seems to trumpet every mention of it. He's fed such speculation before -- for senator and governor -- then sought re-election to Congress. Campaign emails touted Wolf Blitzer, Ed Koch and John Gambling aiding this round.