Rep. Maloney Wins Tough Primary Challenge

NEW YORK (AP) -- Democratic New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney has beaten back a feisty and well-financed primary challenge.

Maloney defeated hedge fund lawyer Reshma Saujani, who depicted Maloney as ineffective and out of touch with her constituents. The district covers Manhattan's east side and part of Queens.

Maloney is all but guaranteed re-election in November in this heavily Democratic district.

Maloney has never had much of a challenge since winning her first House term in 1994, but had angered some voters for advocating tough reform of the financial markets. Saujani raised more than $1.3 million, much of it from Wall Street.

Saujani is of Indian heritage and made a strong play for South Asian voters.

Maloney fought hard, enlisting the help of top Democrats including former President Bill Clinton.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)