|
|
President asks Rep. Israel
to bow out of Senate race
|
| | 
|  |
| |  | | 
| | | (click for larger version) | |
May 19, 2009 | 02:32 PM
After a phone call from President Barack Obama, Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) announced Friday that he would not challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a 2010 primary.
Israel had made little secret of his intentions to run for the seat since Gillibrand was selected by Gov. David Paterson in January to replace Hillary Clinton as New York's junior senator. The congressman, whose district covers much of western Suffolk County, was reportedly also under consideration by Paterson. In the months since Gillibrand's appointment, Israel had begun assembling a Senate campaign staff.
President Obama "asked me that I not run for the U.S. Senate this year," Israel stated in a Friday email. "The president asked me to continue my leadership in Congress, working closely with him to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create new jobs through an intensified focus on renewable energy and green technology.
"This is a tough, heartfelt decision for me," Israel continued. "I have received encouragement to pursue this fight from all corners of our great state. But in the interest of providing New York and our country with a united front for progressive change, I have decided to continue my efforts in Congress and not pursue a campaign for the U.S. Senate.
"I'll never stop fighting for Long Island and all of New York," he added.
Gillibrand still faces a number of potential challengers, including Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Neck), the Democratic majority leader, who has formed an exploratory committee into the possibility of a Senate bid.
| |
|
|
|
| |
Copyright 2010
(631) 751-7744 | news@tbrnewspapers.com | www.northshoreoflongisland.com | About |
|
| |
|
