Sean Patrick Maloney

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Sean Patrick Maloney
Congressman Maloney official.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 18th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2013
Preceded by Nita Lowey
White House Staff Secretary
In office
1999–2000
President Bill Clinton
Preceded by Phillip M. Caplan
Succeeded by Lisel Loy
Personal details
Born (1966-07-30) July 30, 1966 (age 46)
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Political party Democratic
Domestic partner Randy Florke
Children 3 (adoptive)
Residence Cold Spring, New York
Alma mater Georgetown University
University of Virginia (B.A., J.D.)
Profession Attorney
Website seanmaloney.house.gov

Sean Patrick Maloney (born July 30, 1966) is an American politician and the U.S. Representative for New York's 18th congressional district. He entered politics as a volunteer for Bill Clinton's presidential campaigns, and later served as his senior West Wing adviser and White House Staff Secretary. After the Clinton Administration he served as the First Deputy Secretary to New York Governors David Paterson and Eliot Spitzer.

Born in Quebec, Canada and raised in Hanover, New Hampshire, he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. Prior to being elected to Congress he worked as an executive in a private equity firm and as an attorney. In 2006 he ran for the Democratic primary for New York Attorney General, but came in third to Mark J. Green and winner Andrew Cuomo.

He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 after defeating Tea Party-backed Republican incumbent Nan Hayworth. He is the first openly gay person to be elected to Congress from New York.

Contents

Early life, education, and career [edit]

Maloney was born on July 30, 1966 in Sherbrooke, Quebec;[1] while both his parents are Americans his fathers work as a lumberjack temporarily brought them to Canada. Maloney grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire with his six siblings in what he describes as a "small Irish Catholic family."[2][3]

After attending Georgetown University for two years, Maloney transferred to the University of Virginia where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in international relations in 1988.[3] After earning his undergraduate degree, Maloney spent a year volunteering with Jesuit priests in the slums of Chimbote, Peru.[2][1] Afterwards Maloney returned to the States and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1992.[2]

From 2000 to 2003, Maloney served as Chief Operating Officer of Kiodex, Inc., a Warburg Pincus portfolio company that later became a subsidiary of SunGard.[4] Maloney was a senior attorney at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, during which time he represented the family of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard.[5] In March 2011 he joined the law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe as a partner.[6]

Early political career [edit]

Clinton association [edit]

In 1991, Maloney began working on Bill Clinton's first campaign for President as Deputy to Susan Thomases, the chief scheduler, and in Clinton's re-election campaign Maloney worked as Director of Surrogate Travel.[3] After the successful campaign Maloney was offered a position in the White House staff and served as a senior advisor and White House Staff Secretary from 1999 through 2000, the youngest person to serve in that capacity.[7][8] Clinton credited Maloney with helping to create jobs and grow the economy during his administration, saying in a statement: "Sean worked closely with me in the White House to create jobs, grow our economy and balance the budget."[9]

Following the torture and death of gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, Maloney was one of two representatives Clinton sent to his funeral. In an article about the event, a newspaper called him "the highest ranking openly homosexual man on the White House staff."[2][7]

Secretary to the Governor [edit]

Maloney joined Governor Eliot Spitzer's administration in January 2007 as First Deputy Secretary under top adviser Rich Baum.[10]

The Eliot Spitzer political surveillance scandal (popularly known as "Troopergate") broke out on July 23, 2007 when New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office admonished Spitzer's administration for ordering the State Police to create special records of Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's whereabouts when he traveled with police escorts in New York City.[11] The Wall Street Journal wrote in July 2012, "generally, those involved in the investigation on both sides defend Mr. Maloney's conduct. Mr. Cuomo's chief of staff at the time, Steve Cohen, called the idea that Mr. Maloney got in the way of the Attorney General's inquiry 'misinformed to the point of being laughable.'"[6]

Maloney continued in the same role as a top adviser to Governor Paterson's administration under his top adviser, Charles O'Byrne.[12] While working for Paterson, Maloney worked on the effort to increase state aid to education.[13] On December 3, 2008, Maloney announced that he would leave Governor Paterson's office to join the law firm Kirkland & Ellis.[14]

Political campaigns [edit]

2006 Attorney General primary [edit]

Main article: New York attorney general election, 2006

Maloney ran for the Democratic nomination for New York Attorney General in 2006. Maloney's campaign was lauded for its innovative use of technology, fundraising ability, and successful grassroots outreach, and his candor during televised debates received wide praise in the media.[15][16] During the campaign Maloney was endorsed by the Empire State Pride Agenda, a New York state based gay rights organization, and Karen Burstein, the first lesbian to run for Attorney General in 1994.[17]

Consistently polling in the single digits, Maloney was offered to run for the office on the Liberal Party ticket, but declined saying he would support whoever won the Democratic nomination.[18] Maloney came in third place in the September 12, 2006 election, obtaining 9.4% of the vote against Andrew Cuomo, former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and son of past Governor Mario Cuomo, and Mark Green, former New York City Public Advocate. In his concession speech, Maloney said "this day may not be the outcome we hope, but I make you a promise that there will be another day," signaling his plans for a political future.[19]

2012 House election [edit]

A man wearing a jacket, shirt, dark jeans and loafers, leaning forward and shaking hands with an older man wearing a black baseball hat and blue windbreaker.
Maloney campaigning in Walden

In March 2012, Maloney announced his intention to run for New York's newly-drawn 18th congressional district, running against Congresswoman Nan Hayworth who was redrawn from the 19th district. Maloney won the Democratic primary on June 26 with 48% of the vote, winning against four other challengers.[20] In addition to the Democratic Party line, Maloney also ran on the Working Families Party ticket with New York's fusion voting.[21]

On June 11, former President Bill Clinton announced his endorsement of Maloney, saying "I support Sean because I know he’ll be an outstanding member of Congress."[22] On October 21 The New York Times endorsed Maloney, stating that his opponent "has favored limiting contraception coverage for employees and voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Mr. Maloney promises to support health care reform, help the middle class and oppose tax cuts for the rich. We recommend Mr. Maloney."[23] Maloney also was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, and the AFL-CIO and New York State United Teachers Union.[24][25]

Maloney won the general election, defeating Hayworth 52%-48%. During his victory speech Maloney said, "I think people want change in Washington... They're tired of the fighting and the bickering."[26] Maloney is New York's first openly gay member of Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives [edit]

Tenure [edit]

On January 3, 2013 Maloney was sworn into the 113th United States Congress. On his second day in office, Maloney spoke on the House Floor, criticizing the House Leadership for blocking needed aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and urged House Speaker John Boehner and his colleagues to pass an aid package immediately.[27] Maloney has been an outspoken critic of the Sequester and the harmful effects it would have on the United States Military Academy at West Point, and sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, asking for flexibility in his district.[28] After joining the No Labels Problem Solvers caucus, Maloney supported the No Budget, No Pay Act.[29]

In his first hundred days, Maloney introduced three bills: the "Creating Reliability for Our Producers (CROP) Act,"[30] the "Dam Safety Act of 2013,"[31] and the "Disabled Veterans Red Tape Reduction Act."[32] Maloney has also held two town halls, a Facebook town hall, three "Congress at Your Company" events, and a grand opening event of his district office in Newburgh, New York. Nearly 100 city and county officials were present at the opening, and many praised Maloney for establishing a physical presence in the city. Maloney is the first elected official to open an office in Newburgh in at least three decades.[33]

Committee assignments [edit]

Maloney serves on the following committees:[34]

Caucus memberships

Personal life [edit]

Maloney has been with his partner Randy Florke since 1992, when they met in New York City where Maloney was helping plan the Democratic National Convention. Together they have three adoptive children: Jesus, Daley, Essie.[2] Florke is an interior decorator who has been featured in Oprah's magazine.[40] Maloney and his family live in the Putnam County community of Cold Spring, New York.

In an interview, Maloney described his personal hero as Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Maloney personalized him as "the greatest guy ever—a good dad, a good lawyer" and "who I want to be when I grow up."[15]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "Sean Patrick Maloney". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 19, 2013. 
  2. ^ a b c d e "Maloney, Sean Patrick (b. 1966)". GLBTQ. Retrieved May 19, 2013. 
  3. ^ a b c "New York, 18th House District". National Journal. Retrieved May 19, 2013. 
  4. ^ "Sean Patrick Maloney says jobs are top priority, cites his experience in race against Rep. Nan Hayworth". Lohud.com. Retrieved August 11, 2012. 
  5. ^ Duncan Osborne (Dec. 16 - 22, 2004). "‘20/20’ Coordination Faulted". Gay City News. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  6. ^ a b Andrew Grossman (July 19, 2012). "Candidate's Résumé Gets New Scrutiny". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved may 20, 2013. 
  7. ^ a b "Maloney Highlights Clinton Connection In 1st NY-18 Mailer". Your News Now. Retrieved May 19, 2013. 
  8. ^ "Maloney ‘absolutely committed’ to job growth". West Fair Online. January 17, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2013. 
  9. ^ "Bill Clinton Backs Sean Patrick Maloney In NY-18". Daily News (New York). June 11, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2012. 
  10. ^ "First Deputy Secretary To The Governor - Sean Patrick Maloney Biography". Internet Archive. November 16, 2007. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  11. ^ Danny Hakim (July 23, 2007). "Spitzer's Staff Misused Police, Report Finds". The New York Times. Retrieved March 29, 2008. 
  12. ^ "Sean Maloney Eyes House Run". Your News Now. February 3, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  13. ^ "Sean Patrick Maloney Seeks to Redefine Role of Congressional Rep". Philipstown.info. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  14. ^ "First Openly Gay NY Congressman: Sean Patrick Maloney". gayagenda.com. November 8, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  15. ^ a b Geoffrey Gray (August 27, 2006). "Maloney doesn’t expect to be the next attorney general, but he hopes he’s made a good first impression". New York (magazine). Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  16. ^ Paul Schindler (April 20 - 26, 2006). "ESPA Endorses Maloney’s AG Bid". Gay City News. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  17. ^ Paul Schindler (May 1 - 7, 2006). "Karen Burstein Backs Sean Maloney". Gay City News. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  18. ^ May 12, 2006. "Maloney To Liberal Party: No Thanks". Times Union (Albany). Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  19. ^ James M. Odato (September 12, 2006). "Maloney "Victory Speech Looks To Future". Times Union (Albany). Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  20. ^ "18th District: Maloney wins primary, according to Associated Press". Poughkeepsie Journal. June 26, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  21. ^ Jimmy Vielkind (September 25, 2012). "Maloney lands on WFP line". Times Union (Albany). Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  22. ^ "Bill Clinton Backs Sean Patrick Maloney In NY-18". Daily News (New York). June 11, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  23. ^ "For Congress From New York and Connecticut". The New York Times. October 21, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  24. ^ "Hudson Valley Press Online: Planned Parenthood fund endorses Sean Maloney". Hudson Valley Press Online. October 10th, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  25. ^ "Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney Racks Up Nods From NYS AFL-CIO And NYSUT In NY-18 Bid". Daily News (New York). June 8, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  26. ^ John W. Barry. "Maloney heading to Washington after defeating Hayworth". November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012. 
  27. ^ "Congress OKs 1st part of Sandy aid". Times Herald-Record. July 5, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013. 
  28. ^ "Representative Maloney asks for sequester flexibility". Your News Now. March 28, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  29. ^ Barbara Nackman (January 23, 2013). "Maloney say “No budget, No pay”". Politics on the Hudson. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  30. ^ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:1:./temp/~bdHm39::.  Missing or empty |title= (help)
  31. ^ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:2:./temp/~bdHm39::.  Missing or empty |title= (help)
  32. ^ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:3:./temp/~bdHm39::.  Missing or empty |title= (help)
  33. ^ Novinson, Michael (7 April 2013). "Newburgh welcomes Rep. Maloney's office". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 1 May 2013. 
  34. ^ "Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.)". Roll Call (CQ). 
  35. ^ "Membership, New Democrat Coalition". New Democrat Coalition. United States House of Representatives. May 1, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  36. ^ "Maloney Joins "No Labels" Congressional Group". MidHudson News. March 11, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2013. 
  37. ^ "United States of America v. Edith Schlain Windsor and Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the United States House of Representatives". United States Supreme Court. March 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  38. ^ Kathy Castor. "Children's Health Care Caucus". United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 1, 2013. 
  39. ^ Thomas J. Rooney. "Congressional Lupus Caucus". United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 1, 2013. 
  40. ^ "Home Suite Home". Oprah (magazine). Spring 2007. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 

External links [edit]

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United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Nita Lowey		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 18th congressional district
January 3, 2013 – present		 Incumbent
United States order of precedence
Preceded by
Michelle Lujan Grisham
D-New Mexico		 United States Representatives by seniority
402nd		 Succeeded by
Gloria Negrete McLeod
D-California
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