State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D), announced today that she will not run for reelection this November. Facing major shoulder replacement surgery later this year, she decided not to undergo another campaign.

 

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D), announced today that she will not run for reelection this November. Facing major shoulder replacement surgery later this year, she decided not to undergo another campaign.

 

“It’s always been my plan to seek reelection,” said Senator Oppenheimer today; “but with the extensive effort that will go into rehabilitation and physical therapy, and the added work of the hard fought campaign, it became clear to me I could do only two of those three tasks.”

 

Suzi Oppenheimer’s last campaign in 2010 against Republican Bob Cohen was indeed a tough one, won by just a 700 votes in one of the most expensive races in the state. Cohen, a small business owner in Scarsdale, says he will run again. “I would like to make a difference. Our message resonated with the voters last time.”

 

Assemblymen George Latimer (D-Rye) is expected to be the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. He has said in the past “he’s certainly interested in the seat,” but will take time to make a decision.

 

Suzi Oppenheimer, 77, has served in the State Senate (District 37) for 28 years, following eight years as Mayor of Mamaroneck. During her career, she sponsored laws on environmental legislation, education reform, domestic violence, among many causes.

 

District 37, which comprises much of the Sound Shore plus parts of White Plains and Northern Westchester, is one of the swing districts in the State Senate.  Even though its registration is predominantly Democratic, Cohen (R) mounted a significant challenge in 2010. With the Republicans now controlling the body by just two votes, it will be a battleground race in 2012.

 

COHEN THROWS HIS HAT IN THE RING