Fitzpatrick bows out of 1st C.D. GOP primary

Assemb. Michael Fitzpatrick has decided not to run in a GOP primary for the 1st C.D. Fitzpatrick planned to circulate petitions, starting tomorrow, for both Assembly and Congress, giving him until mid-July to raise the $250,000 needed to run a credible House primary. He said he raised nearly $50,000, but the Conservative Party's nomination of millionaire Randy Altschuler made fundraising difficult. The seat is held by Democrat Tim Bishop.

Fitzpatrick backed Altschuler before entering the race himself, and it's unlikely Fitzpatrick will endorse Altschuler now. George Demos and Christopher Cox remain candidates. In the 2nd C.D., Stephen Labate won't challenge John Gomez for the GOP nomination. Democrat Steve Israel holds the seat. - Rick Brand