February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The Long Island Republican, a long time co-chair of the congressional Ad Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs, has cited the huge cost of a Senate bid.
King has estimated that he would need to raise at least $30 million to mount a viable campaign.
King’s decision improves the prospects for incumbent Democratic senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, to retain the seat that she inherited from Hillary Clinton.
King told the Daily news that he wanted to run but that the money needed to overcome Gillibrand’s position as a sitting senator in a state that has voted increasingly Democrat in recent times was simply out of reach.
King’s decision has renewed speculation that former governor George Pataki will carry the GOP standard into the 2010 race.
Sen. Gillibrand, meanwhile, is scheduled to visit the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Queens on Monday, Sept. 14th.