King Decides Not to Run for Senate -- Again

Rep. Peter King has decided, for the second time, not to run for U.S. Senate.

The New York Republican announced Monday that he will not be a candidate in part because he'd like to be chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee next year, should Republicans re-take the House in November.

"It has been my privilege to represent New York's 3rd Congressional District for more than 17 years. I hope to be re-elected to that position in November," he said in a written statement.

The announcement appeared to be the final word on King's ever-changing position in the race.

King first announced in late August that he would not challenge Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to replace Hillary Clinton when she became secretary of state, citing fundraising concerns. But then in early January, King said he was reconsidering that decision.

King explained Monday that "a number of state and national leaders, as well as many friends and supporters," asked him to consider getting back in the race.

King has been especially visible in the wake of the attempted Christmas Day terror attack, criticizing the Obama administration for its failure to foil the plot ahead of time. But King ultimately ruled against running.

"While the political situation has changed dramatically in the Republicans' favor since September and I believe that Sen. Gillibrand can and will be defeated in 2010, I will not be a candidate for the Senate," he said.

King said the fundraising and campaigning would detract from his work as congressman. And King, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, expressed a desire for a promotion to the majority.

"I am increasingly confident that Republicans will retake the majority in the House of Representatives and that I will again have the opportunity to be chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee -- a position which, as recent events have dramatically demonstrated, is vital to the safety of our nation and the New York City-Long Island region," he said.