Senator Kirsten Gillibrand just released the following statement regarding the news that Rep. Carolyn Maloney will not be challenging her for the Democratic nomination:
Carolyn Maloney is a dedicated public servant and a passionate, effective advocate for the issues she fights for. For nearly two decades she has been at the helm of landmark legislation to defend consumers from credit card scams, improve crime labs to protect women from assault, and ensure equal protections for women in the workplace. I look forward to continue working with her in the months and years to come on passing the 9/11 health care bill and other legislation that will improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
From AP:
ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York congresswoman Carolyn Maloney will not challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (KEHR'-sten JIL'-uh-brand) in the state's Democratic primary.
Maloney says in a statement released Friday that she plans to stay in the House of Representatives. She says her decision was based on a desire to deal with current challenges including health care reform, clean energy issues and the economy.
Gillibrand was appointed in January to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's appointment as secretary of state. President Barack Obama and other top national Democrats have come out in support of Gillibrand to clear the field for her 2010 campaign.
Maloney, a nine-term congresswoman, represents Manhattan's Upper East Side.