| A few days ago, it was being said that a primary would take place for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. The primary opponent being mentioned was Congressman Steve Israel.
Thanks to President Barack Obama, Congressman Israel has decided not to primary Sen. Gillibrand and instead continue the work he is doing in the House of Representatives, which includes the key role he plays with the DCCC.
In a statement, Congressman Israel says that he will "never stop fighting for Long Island and all of New York" while acknowledging the role President Obama played in getting Israel to change his mind.
I spoke with President Obama today. He asked me that I not run for the U.S. Senate this year. 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. 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 want to thank Senator Schumer for his friendship and guidance during this process, and I am especially grateful for the support of my friends and family. I'll never stop fighting for Long Island and all of New York.
This is huge news today because it means that one of Gillibrand's serious challengers is no longer a challenger. There are only a couple of other serious contenders left, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
There are several reasons why Gillibrand will be a formidable foe. One of them is money. But another reason is that, while she does have upstate ties, she also has plenty of downstate ties. She has been able to bridge the gap throughout her career. There is no reason why she won't be able to do that now.
I saw Israel as the biggest threat to Gillibrand. Now with Israel out of the race, I see a clear path to victory for Gillibrand in 2010. I can't see Stringer raising his profile that much over the next 16 months. I can't see Maloney doing what Israel did, which was appeal to upstate and rural voters and show that he genuinely cares about them. |
