Carolyn McCarthy is the Democratic representative of New York's 4th congressional district. McCarthy has been a staunch advocate for gun control during her entire congressional career, having lost her husband when a gunman opened fire at Long Island Rail Road station in 1993.

On January 22, 2009, McCarthy expressed strong opposition to New York Governor David Paterson's then-rumored decision to select Representative Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Hillary Clinton's open Senate seat. Gillibrand, a gun rights advocate who has been endorsed by the NRA, was named to the post on the following day. McCarthy has said she will challenge Gillibrand in the 2010 primary.WCBSTV.com (New York): Will Paterson Pick The 'NRA Poster Woman?' CNN: Who is Kirsten Gillibrand? (January 23, 2009)

"I'm extremely upset about this. I don't believe New York should have a senator that has a 100 percent voting record with the NRA."WCBSTV.com (New York): Will Paterson Pick The 'NRA Poster Woman?'

"I've spent 15 years trying to prevent gun violence in this country, and if he does pick her and if no one goes and primaries her, I will primary her. I will do that. I'm not going to give up on this. I'm not going to let New York State get represented by someone who gets a 100 percent rating from the NRA."Newsday.com: McCarthy knocks Gillibrand as choice for Senate (January 23, 2009)