Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is getting fundraising help from President Barack Obama’s former campaign manager as she faces a possible primary challenge from Harold Ford Jr.

David Plouffe will be the featured speaker at a Feb. 22 breakfast fundraiser at a yet-to-be-determined New York City law firm, according to the Gillibrand campaign.

Plouffe led Obama’s winning campaign for the White House and was recently tapped by the president to help keep tabs on 2010 midterm races in the wake of Republican Scott Brown’s upset Senate win in Massachusetts on Jan 19.

Plouffe’s planned appearance at the $250-a-ticket fundraiser is further evidence of White House support as Gillibrand seeks election to the Senate seat she has held for a year. Gillibrand has reported raising $7.1 million last year.

“We’re really excited by it and I’m extremely grateful that President Obama and his team are being so supportive,” Gillibrand said.

Gillibrand was appointed to the New York seat by Gov. David Paterson when Hillary Rodham Clinton became secretary of state.

Ford, a former Tennessee congressman, has been meeting with voters and Democratic leaders across the state as he flirts with a possible primary challenge.

Ford said he will make a decision in the coming weeks.

Source: AP