Stringer came to this decision after holding just one of the two of two private meetings he had scheduled with his political advisers and supporters today.
The former assemblyman flirted with the idea of a citywide run this fall, most likely for public advocate, although he has never denied he harbors a desire to be mayor.
But after the extension of term limits (which he both supported and worked behind the scenes for) he decided to seek re-election instead.
Stringer was one of the few potential Democratic challengers to Gillibrand who actually had filed paperwork to create an exploratory committee. (The other is Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper, who not only isn't dropping out of the race, but has launched a new campaign Web site).
Here's Stringer's statement, which, interestingly, does not include an endorsement of Gillibrand:
"In light of President Obama's clear desire to avoid a Democratic primary in New York State, I have decided to focus on my re-election race for Manhattan Borough President and to suspend my exploratory committee and fund-raising efforts for the 2010 Senate race."
"I firmly believe that innovative thinking on issues like education and the urban environment must be joined with bedrock Democratic values on gun control and immigration if New York's interests are to be effectively represented in Washington.
"I will be working harder than ever with every member of New York's congressional delegation to make sure that we get the support we need from Washington to uphold the core progressive values so many New Yorkers hold dear. I want to thank the many friends and supporters who worked with me on this effort."
Two of the top possible challengers for the seat say they aren't running less than a week apart. That is telling. Gillibrand has proven to be a force in the first few months of her term and has plenty of time to gain even more momentum. With Israel and Stringer out, the chance of a serious primary occurring is decreasing.
