Ex-Rep. Murphy open to bid for Owens seat

Former Democratic Rep. Scott Murphy says he’s open to a run for retiring Rep. Bill Owens’ (D-N.Y.) seat, according to a local report.

{mosads}If Murphy jumped in, he would give Democrats a strong contender for the seat, which became more competitive for Republicans with Owens’s retirement announcement this week.

“I’m not making any decisions right now, but I love the North Country and am committed to finding the best way I can to continue to help create good jobs and strengthen the economy for hardworking families,” he told Capital New York in an email.

Murphy was elected to represent New York’s 20th District in a special election to replace Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in 2009 but subsequently lost the seat to Chris Gibson (R) in 2010. He now lives in the 21st district, following redistricting, and previously represented much of it in Congress. 

National Democrats see Murphy as a very strong contender for the seat, partly because the venture capitalist would be able to pour some of his own money into the race.

Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine, state Assemblywoman Addie Russell and Plattsburgh Supervisor Bernie Bassett are a handful of the other Democrats who could also run.