Maloney backs off challenge to Gillibrand

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/maloney-backs-off-challenge-to-gillibrand-2009-08-07.html

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) has decided against a primary challenge to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) after months of speculation that the New York City congresswoman would challenge the more conservative Gillibrand.

Democratic officials confirmed to The Hill that they expect Maloney to make her announcement official at a New York City press conference Friday afternoon.

Maloney’s decision likely clears the way for Gillibrand, who was appointed to the Senate seat held by Hillary Clinton, to avoid any primary battle ahead of her first re-election attempt.

Speculation had been swirling in Washington that the White House was involved in encouraging Maloney to back down, but Democratic officials close to Maloney said the decision was more about Maloney’s personal wishes and less about party pressure.

The New York Times, first reporting that Maloney would not run, cited a source close to Maloney that claimed she was hesitant to surrender her seniority in the House.


updated
“Running for the Senate is a full-time job,” Ms. Maloney said in a statement. “Giving up for a critical period of time the things I do best — passing legislation, working on the issues, serving New Yorkers — would put politics before policy. The right decision for me and the people I represent is to stay in the House of Representatives.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/nyregion/08maloney.html?ref=nyregion

[TheWraith]

1. Good.

Gillibrand is a great Senator, and Maloney is... well, pretty kooky.

[derby378]

2. Looks like Gillibrand is keeping her Senate seat, after all

Of course, Carolyn McCarthy may change her mind and throw her hat back in the ring - she only dropped out because of Maloney's bid.

There's also Johnathan Tasini...

[Raineyb]

3. Well strike another blow against the voters of NY having a say in who

represents us.

I hope someone steps up to the plate.

[billyoc]

4. Tasini is the challenger, Maloney is ridiculous.

http://www.jonathantasini.com/