It’s the New York Times versus former President Bill Clinton in the race to take on freshman Rep. Nan Hayworth (R) in the Empire State’s 18th district.

Robocalls with Clinton’s voice begin going out tonight to Democratic primary voters on behalf of attorney Sean Patrick Maloney, a former Clinton aide who is running for the Democratic nomination in the district.

On Saturday, the New York Times endorsed Maloney’s top opponent, physician Richard Becker. There are three other candidates on the Democratic ballot. The winner will take on Hayworth, who is vulnerable in a redrawn district that would have voted for Barack Obama in 2008.

National Democrats believe Maloney is the stronger candidate.

“Sean worked closely with me in the White House,” Clinton says in the call. “I know how much he knows about our economy, how much he cares, what his values are, what his talents are. And I know he’ll be an outstanding Member of Congress.”

Roll Call rates the race as a Tossup.

Listen to the call here:
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