New York: White House Opposes Ford To Challenge Gillibrand in Senate Race

The remarks from the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, were the first offered by the Obama administration since Mr. Ford said last week that he was seriously considering challenging Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand in this fall’s Democratic primary.

Mr. Gibbs said that the administration backed Ms. Gillibrand, who was appointed last January to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“I think the White House is quite happy with the leadership and the representation of Senator Gillibrand in New York,” Mr. Gibbs said when asked about Mr. Ford at a White House press briefing. “We’re supporting her re-election.”

Mr. Gibbs suggested that the White House was prepared to go even further to stop Mr. Ford, telling reporters to “Stay tuned” when asked about any behind-the-scenes efforts to clear the field for Ms. Gillibrand.

But Mr. Ford remained defiant.

Asked on MSNBC’s “Hardball” whether he was prepared to run without White House support, Mr. Ford said: “I have great respect for President Obama. If I run and win, I look forward to working with him. But I will listen to New Yorkers as I make this decision.”