Harry Wilson

Harry Wilson, the Republican candidate for State Comptroller in 2010, said it's "unlikely" he'll run against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in an interview with the Buffalo News published yesterday.

"She is also a formidable candidate," Mr. Wilson said of Senator Gillibrand. "I think she is underestimated as a candidate."

Mr. Wilson, who narrowly lost to Tom DiNapoli in the comptroller's race, has been widely mentioned as a potential opponent for the Senator this year.According to the Buffalo News, Mr. Wilson cited family obligations and business opportunities as reasons for his reluctance to run.

"I have given it great consideration, but I am very unlikely to do it," he said.

Mr. Wilson has a large personal fortune from his long career as a private equity investor. In September, President Barack Obama appointed him to the Advisory Committee of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, an independent federal agency responsible for insuring benefits under private defined benefit pension plans and for allowing individuals to search for lost pensions.

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and TheLadders.com founder Marc Cenedella have been named as other potential GOP challengers to Senator Gillibrand and both are actively campaigning for the party's nomination. A Siena College poll released Monday showed Senator Gillibrand ahead of Mr. Wilson 63% to 23% and Mr. Maragos 63% to 22%. Mr. Cenedella wasn't included in the poll.