Another Dem forms committee to challenge Gillibrand

Here’s something that unfortunately slipped through the cracks during Specter-mania on Tuesday: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) may have another challenger in the 2010 Democratic primary.

Jon Cooper, a Suffolk County legislator, announced on Tuesday that he has created a exploratory committee for a Senate run, Crain’s New York Business reports.

“I think Jon just wants to put his toe in the water and see if it’s a viable option,” Anthony Figliola, a spokesman for Cooper told Crain’s.

Cooper joins a seemingly ever growing Democratic field. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has also formed an exploratory committee and Reps. Steve Israel, Carolyn Maloney and Carolyn McCarthy are all looking at the race. Crain’s also reports speculation that Rep. Jerrold Nadler is considering a run and Rep. Anthony Weiner could jump in, after recently all but abandoning his run for New York City mayor.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com