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A source says former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford Jr. will decide before spring whether to challenge New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, whose lack of name recognition and inconsistency on issues are just two reasons some call her an easy target.

Yet Gillibrand has powerful backers, as even President Barack Obama helped elbow out another challenge against her last spring.

As Ford mulls a primary, he faces the same fusillade, including from liberal groups. But his response has been the opposite of others, as his spokesman released an ornery statement Friday that cited the need to stand up to party bosses.

"Harold is not going to be bullied or intimidated. It's good for New York to have a dialogue," said the spokesman. "It's good for New York to have credible candidates exploring this race. So what are they afraid of?"

Outwardly, Gillibrand says she's not afraid she'll lose, but rather the state will not be well-served by someone with Ford's conservative records on gun and abortion rights. That argument was the subject of a new online ad.

Elected officials like Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, a former Gillibrand critic, are also attacking Ford.

"The more you know about Harold Ford, you will come to the conclusion that he is really out of step with New York," said Velazquez.

Still, the fury of those coming to Gillibrand's defense suggests the junior senator could be swept up in the anti-incumbent fervor, especially since the former congresswoman from the Albany area did not win her post but was appointed by Governor David Paterson.

Despite differences on issues, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's influence is seen in Ford's bid. His former campaign manager is helping Ford and other backers are pitching in, but Bloomberg himself has kept quiet.

But the mayor was not previously shy about blasting Gillibrand's support for the U.S. Senate's health care bill, which he views as punitive to the city and state.

Still, observers say Ford may be on a path to nowhere. While New York has been open to transplants like Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former first lady spent almost two years cultivating a path to victory.

"Typically, people have had to invest a little more time than Harold Ford has here," said Professor David Birdsell of Baruch College. "He's going to be sailing in with very little introduction to the state than some MSNBC and 'Meet The Press' appearances."

Ford did not register to vote in New York until last November, and as of Friday evening, his website listed him as living in Nashville and Memphis, with only an office in New York.