Despite boldly and unconvincingly declaring that Kirsten Gillibrand will not face a primary, New York's powerful senior senator, Chuck Schumer, doesn't seem to be doing much to make that a reality. Last week, Schumer told congressman Steve Israel that they would remain "good friends" even if he ran in the Democratic primary — which he most certainly will — and that he wasn't planning to "crusade" for Gillibrand. Wow, who would dare face down Gillibrand under that kind of intimidation? [NYDN]