| Lots of NY-13 news this afternoon. Hours after we learn that the GOP's best bet has declined to run for Fossella's seat, we now hear that Democratic state senator Diane Savino is taking a pass as well.
Savino Out Of 13th CD, Friscia A Maybe
State Sen. Diane Savino is also taking a pass on the race for Rep. Vito Fossella's seat this fall in favor of running for re-election to her current post and helping the Democrats take control of the Senate.
"For the past week I have been considering whether or not to seek the 13th Congressional Seat that has been vacated by the current Congressman," Savino said in a just-released statement. "I have received dozens of calls of support, asking me to run and I am very appreciative."
"In spite of that, I have decided to seek re-election for the 23rd Senate District and continue the work that I was elected to do for the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn, as well as helping to take the Senate back into the hands of the Democratic Party, so we can usher in a new era of economic oppportunity and fairness for one New York, Upstate and Downstate."
On the GOP side, Staten Island Republican Chairman John Friscia refused to rule out a run for Fossella's seat himself while simultaneously expressing support for state Sen. Andrew Lanza.
Being a congressman "certainly has a very alluring and very seductive song to it," Friscia said, adding: "I'm not going to say I'm interested in it, I'm not going to say I'm not interested in it."
Friscia said the party has "some wonderful candidates out there," but he's hoping Lanza runs.
I think we're looking at a best of all worlds scenario here. Their best hope has dropped out. Their Plan B would open up a precious state Senate seat if he runs and their Plan C is noncommittal while urging Plan B to run. The Dem state Senator is staying put and the playing field just got much better for the Dem candidates looking to run for Fossella's seat. I also think that today's events may change the minds of Dem candidates who may have been wavering.
Add to this the fact that whoever the Dem candidate is will most likely be the beneficiary of a big DCCC war chest and an organization that is able to invest in targets of opportunity. Whoever gets the GOP nod is going to be mostly on their own as the NRCC just doesn't have all that much money to spread around.
I thought we had a fighting chance to take this seat this morning. This evening, I think we've got a much better shot at this seat and just might be able to put an open state Senate seat in play as well.
It's all good. |
