Earlier this month, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned the office when four women accused him of physical abuse. Today, Representative Kathleen Rice (4th District) withdrew from consideration for the position with the following statement:
“Over the past week, I’ve been encouraged by many friends and supporters to enter the New York Attorney General’s race. I am very grateful for that support. But given the timing of Eric Schneiderman’s resignation and the current state law prohibiting candidates from seeking two offices simultaneously, I have determined that I cannot run for Attorney General at this time. I am excited to seek a third term in Congress and hope to continue representing my constituents in Washington at this critical moment in our nation’s history. I am confident that New Yorkers will choose an Attorney General who is worthy of our faith and our trust. We must demand no less.”
A screening committee is set to conduct interviews with 13 candidates this week. Barbara D. Underwood, who has served as solicitor general since 2007, has been the acting attorney general since Schneiderman resigned.
She should never run for anything, and withdraw from the position she holds.