New York, NY —

Long Island Congressman Steve Israel says he won't challenge Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a Democratic primary. In a statement, he says he's been asked by President Obama not to challenge the new senator. He called it a "tough, heartfelt decision." A source close to the congressman says he was days away from announcing his Senate bid. Since her appointment to former Senator Clinton's seat in January, Gillibrand has become a prime target for many of her fellow Democrats, because of her past stances on guns and gay marriage.