Rep. Carolyn Maloney has decided not to pursue a challenge against appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in the 2010 Democratic primary, just weeks after her advisers were quoting saying she was definitely in the race, The Post has learned.
Maloney released a statement detailing her intentions, in which she gave her reasons for not running — but did not say she was supporting Gillibrand should she face another challenger.
“These are unique times with unparalleled challenges and running for the Senate is a full time job,” she said. “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 for the next year and a half.”
“The right decision for me and the people I represent is to stay in the House of Representatives and use the leadership positions I hold, including Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, to get things done,” she added.
“I make this decision, not because I fear a tough political fight, but because I love one. In this Congress, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enact meaningful health care reform, restore the trust and confidence in our financial systems, and take a step toward a clean energy future.”
“I may not be entering the race _- but I will never leave the fight.”
The decision caps months of seesawing messages from the eight-term congresswoman from the Silk Stocking District in Manhattan.
Angered that Gov. Paterson tapped the newcomer Gillibrand from her House seat to fill Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vacated post – and hurt that she didn’t get a personal phone call the way Long Island Rep. Steve Israel did from President Obama asking her not to run – Maloney set about putting together a team.
But she faced a quick ranks-closing from Democratic leaders – Sen. Charles Schumer among them – and some union officials, some of them going along grudgingly, who made clear they didn’t want Gillibrand weakened by a primary.
And despite some of her consultants saying she would declare her campaign at at least three different points, she repeatedly declined to pull the trigger and sent mixed messages.