NYS Senator Morahan to Retire

Tom Morahan, the New York State Senator representing Rockland County, will retire at the end of his current term and not seek re-election. Morahan, a popular Republican who has held on to his seat for 11 years in an increasingly Democratic district,  returned to his senate duties a few months ago after taking time off to receive treatment for leukemia.

Clarkstown Clerk David Carlucci announced his candidacy for the seat last week. Rockland County Executive has denied reports that he will declare for the seat. New City Democratic Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, who represents Rockland County, told the Journal News he’s unlikely to run for this Senate seat once held by his father.

Rockland County GOP Chairman Vincent Reda told Aldany’s CapitalTonight.com that Clarkstown Councilman Frank Borelli, Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, Minority Leader Doug Jobson, Orangetown Town Supervisor Paul Whalen, and Stony Point Town Supervisor Bill Sherwood are also contenders.

As Chairman of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee in the NYS Senate, Morahan helped pass “Jonathan’s Law” and “Timothy’s Law,” landmark legislation which ensures mental health parity. He also serves on the Banks, Education, Elections, Labor, and Local Government committees.

See also: Crain’s New York, CapitalTonight.com, Journal News, Senator’s Statement at scribd.com,  Politics On The Hudson, 5/19/2010