Rep. Peter King ‘Seriously Considering’ Senate Run

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) is considering running to succeed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) in the Senate, touting support from state Republican officials.

King told the Associated Press he is “seriously considering the race for Hillary Clinton’s seat,” making him the first Republican to throw his hat in the ring in the race to replace Clinton.

King would face off against whoever New York Gov. David Paterson (D) appoints to fill Clinton’s seat, pending her confirmation to become Secretary of State. Paterson is expected to name a Democrat to fill the seat, and JFK daughter Caroline Kennedy and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D) are thought to be in the running for the appointment.

“Obviously it would be a challenge to run against Caroline Kennedy,” he said. “But this is not an anti-Kennedy campaign.”

King told the AP that he will meet with campaign staff to explore fundraising options next week, and added that the Chairman of the Republican Party of New York “supports [him] 100 percent.”

King, ranking member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, and has represented his Long Island district–one of the few New York state districts still held by Republicans–since being elected in 1992. He is 64-years-old.