Last week, Scott Murphy was sworn in as my representative in the United States Congress. Thank you, Daily Kos, for playing a huge part in making that happen. Scott ran an inspiring race and I know that he is not only going to represent the 20th District well, but also will be a strong advocate for the fiscally-responsible, progressive priorities that we are all working so hard for.
I also want to thank you all for the great welcome that you gave me. This is a community with a wide variety of interests and no shortage of opinions, but also one with an extraordinary ability to rally together for the greater good and to stand up for what's right. I was touched by the reaction my diary received, and it's encouraged me to dive back in today.
After reading the comments in my first diary, it's clear to me that some in this community have real questions about me, my record, and my priorities as a United States Senator. I respect those questions, and I think that you deserve to hear the answers directly from me.
That's why I'm launching ConversationswithKirsten.com, a web site that will help further our discussion.
In addition to my regular diaries here, the website will offer the opportunity for the online community to easily submit questions and comments, sign up to receive updates, and allow me to respond via emails, live blogs, conference calls and postings on the site.
One of my top priorities as a Congresswoman was to listen to the people of the 20th District of New York. We met for conversations as often as possible and in as many venues as possible; from Town Hall meetings to Congress on the Corner gatherings. As a Senator, I want to continue that priority, and I'm excited about this new tool to help make that happen.
Please check out the new site and share your thoughts with me. We're already getting a ton of questions, and I expect to post my first set of responses very soon.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand