Schumer for DSCC

Chuck Schumer to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which means he won't run for Governor of NY in 2006:

Schumer, D-N.Y., agreed to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and take a seat on the powerful Finance Committee, nixing the possibility of a 2006 gubernatorial campaign, a race which could have pitted him in a primary against state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

Schumer, in a phone interview, said accepting a position in Democratic leadership was easy, especially when it comes with added influence on policy affecting New York's business climate.

"Frankly, I never really had to give it much thought," the senator said. "This was just an offer of my dreams ... The Finance Committee is something I aspired to be on. It's the most powerful committee and has jurisdiction over so many things that matter to New York, tax and trade." Schumer sounded philosophical when discussing the choice, saying the speculation about his ambitions for Albany never reflected his thinking.

"I've been a legislator my whole life, it's what I know how to do. I know people didn't believe me, but Senate was the only thing on my radar screen." Schumer, fresh off a record-setting re-election win, phoned incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Sunday night to accept the offer.

In accepting the new positions, Schumer agreed to "see the DSCC job through the 2006 election and run for no other office." Schumer said Reid pledged that the new job would also come with added responsibility for shaping the message of the Democratic party. He is expected to begin in the new position in January, replacing Sen. Jon Corzine of New Jersey.