Lowey pulls name from running for Clinton seat

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) will not seek the appointment to
replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), her office confirmed Monday.

Clinton was nominated by President-elect Barack Obama as
his secretary of State earlier in the day.

{mosads}Lowey had been interested in the Senate seat in the 2000
cycle but stepped aside when the former first lady entered the race — a move
that appeared to earn her some good will among her Democratic colleagues in the
current appointment process.

The congresswoman is 71 years old now, though, and a top
House appropriator, making the move less appealing than it was a decade ago.

A smattering of other Democratic New York politicians is
thought to be in the running, with the decision resting in the hands of Gov.
David Paterson (D).

Clinton has indicated that she will not resign her Senate seat until she
is confirmed for the Cabinet post, which will delay the appointment until at
least late January.