Rep. Israel Steps Back from Intended Challenge of Gillibrand

From the Associated Press:

Rep. Steve Israel says he will not challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in New York’s Democratic primary next year. The Long Island congressman says he made the decision after speaking with President Barack Obama, who asked him not to run. Israel says he wants New York to have a united front for change. He also thanked New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for his guidance. Israel had been considered a possible contender for an appointment to the Senate seat when former Sen. Hillary Clinton became secretary of state. Instead, Gov. David Paterson appointed Gillibrand from upstate New York.

Israel’s announcement elicited this statement from Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee:

Steve Israel is a terrific Congressman, and the people of Long Island are lucky to have him as their fierce advocate in Washington. New Yorkers have one of the strongest Congressional delegations in the country and clearly Senator Gillibrand is making them proud as their new Senator. She’s working around the clock, traveling the state, delivering for New York, and given her strong track record thus far, looks to be well-positioned for 2010. The DSCC looks forward to continuing working with her to make sure she is well-prepared for her race.