The Obama charm offensive continues to work its magic. From the Politico:
Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) decided not to run for the Senate against Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) after receiving a phone call from President Obama urging him not to run.
Israel was planning on running as late as this morning, but after receiving an afternoon phone call from Obama, he changed his mind. He had already begun to hire staff in preparation for a Senate campaign, according to Empire State sources.
"I spoke with President Obama today. He asked me that I not run for the U.S. Senate this year. The President asked me to continue my leadership in Congress, working closely with him to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create new jobs through an intensified focus on renewable energy and green technology," Israel said in a statement.
http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/4964/nysenb-israel-backs-off-senate-bid-at-obamas-request