The New York Times says Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is working hard to avoid a primary for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) next year. In the process, he is "surprising and angering her rivals in the party."
Said Schumer at a recent fundraisier: "There is not going to be a primary!"
"Longtime advisers to Mr. Schumer said that he likes the fact that Ms. Gillibrand is open to his guidance and is deferential... In addition, Mr. Schumer -- who close associates say harbors ambitions to someday be the Senate majority leader -- has elevated his profile by helping his party pull off a string of Senate victories, and he feels personally responsible for blocking Republicans from capturing a seat in his state."