By Michael Ventura
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton can't endorse political candidates. But that hasn't stopped Carolyn Maloney from recycling an old quote and using an image of Clinton to make it look like the former senator is backing the Upper East Side congresswoman's reelection bid.
On Maloney's website, a headline reads "What people are saying," and under it is a button that says "Endorse Carolyn." Under the button, rotating images of prominent people (Gloria Steinem, Christine Quinn and Nicholas Kristof) and organizations (Emily's List) are featured with a flattering quotes about Maloney.
Clinton's reads: "Carolyn Maloney has been a tireless and effective advocate for women in America and abroad. I applaud her ongoing efforts to highlight issues affecting women and to fight for solutions that improve women's lives."
Supporters of Maloney foe Reshma Saujani told Page Six that the quote was made in 2008 about Maloney's book, ""Rumors of Our Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated."
The quote is excerpted from the back cover of the book, as can be seen on barnesandnoble.com.
Saujani's campaign has stepped up its attacks on incumbent Maloney recently, going so far as to say Maloney stole some of her policy ideas.
Referring to the book quote, a "pro-Saujani" source told Page Six that "this just shows how nervous and rattled Carolyn is by Reshma.
"Carolyn already has an Obama endorsement; why would she need to manipulate an old quote by Hillary Clinton? It is placed on the same spot with several other actual endorsements."
Another unnamed source, this one close to the Maloney camp, told the paper that "The Web site layout makes it very clear that Hillary's comment is not an endorsement but is praise about Carolyn which was said at a book signing."
The Post said a poll released on Friday showed Maloney trouncing Saujani 75 percent to 7 percent.
A representative for Maloney declined comment.