Nate Shinagawa, Tompkins County legislator
ITHACA — Tompkins County Democratic legislator Nate Shinagawa will not again try to unseat Tom Reed (R-NY23.) In 2012, Shinagawa failed to win the district, a race that drew national attention.
“With Congress still failing to turn around this economy, it’s clear Washington needs leadership. However, while I’ve been pushed by the national Democratic Party and local leaders to run, I’ve decided that this district, and my family, need my attention at home,” the vice-chair of the county legislature announced Tuesday.
A health care administrator at Robert Packer Hospital, he said health care reform will soon be enacted that will need his attention.
“I want to dedicate my time and energy to make sure that health care reform best serves the people of the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Western New York.”
When Shinagawa ran against Reed in 2012, he garned 48 percent of the vote. Since then, Democratic observers have described the race as a “major missed opportunity,” according to today’s announcement.
RT @ithacaindy: Shinagawa: No 2014 Congressional Run: http://t.co/71Ejsj2qTA #ithaca #ny23 #dems
The underfunded, but energetic @NateShinagawa who narrolwly lost #NY23 in 2012, says he won’t run again in 2014. http://t.co/UfuKsz0yBh
RT @RussOnPolitics: The underfunded, but energetic @NateShinagawa who narrolwly lost #NY23 in 2012, says he won’t run again in 2014. htt …