It’s true: I am strongly considering running for the United States Senate.
I do so because our best as a nation has always come when we test our ideas and ourselves, and when we trust competition to refine the steel of our convictions and the truth of our arguments.
Some have already questioned whether I should be running.
Others are falsifying my record in public life.
New Yorkers deserve a free election.
New Yorkers expect a politics where politicians do what’s right based on independent judgment, free of political bosses trying to dictate.
And New Yorkers want an honest and serious debate about how to grow our economy, create new jobs downstate and upstate and keep New York state and our country safe.
But first, some facts about me:
I moved to New York more than three years ago, have been a New York resident for more than a year and am a registered voter in New York City. My wife and I both work in Manhattan, proudly call lower Manhattan home and plan to start and raise a family in New York.
I am pro-choice — have always been since I entered politics almost 15 years ago. My cumulative grade with NARAL during 10 years in Congress was right at 80 percent. Any assertions to the contrary are false.
I remain committed to promoting gun safety and handgun control, and I look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg and Newark Mayor Corey Booker and their coalition to reduce handgun violence in cities across America.
Despite what critics say about me, I enjoyed uninterrupted support from organized labor throughout my time in Congress.
And from the moment I arrived in Congress, I supported civil unions. Like New York’s senior senator, after listening to and participating in the national conversation about full equality and fairness, I support same-sex marriage.
I know New York is unique. No other state is so engaged in the great issues facing our nation.
Defeating terror isn’t a talking point in New York, it’s a way of life.
Rebuilding an economy isn’t an item on an issue checklist, it is what New York does — and must do.
In my three years here, I’ve learned that New York does not go along to get along. New York does not follow. New York is where the nation learned to lead, build and grow.
In the spirit of the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who once held this Senate seat, I hope we all will welcome a debate about who’s best to work for New York.
Harold Ford Jr. served five terms in the House of Representatives.