After taking a pass on challenging Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand himself, Rep. Peter King is now serving as the honorary chairman for one of the three Republicans who have decided to take a crack at ousting her: Bruce Blakeman.

“Now, more than ever, New York needs a fighter in the Senate. A leader who will stand up and make the tough decisions needed to protect our state and our country,” the Long Island congressman said in a statement released by Blakeman’s campaign.

“Bruce Blakeman is clearly that person and I look forward to partnering with him to get our nation back on the right track. Bruce is a strong supporter of policies that will improve our security, intelligence and national defense capabilities.”

“He has outstanding homeland security credentials and firmly supports a strong national defense. Bruce will be a close partner in the U.S. Senate on homeland security issues facing our state and country.”

King, who has flirted for years with the possibility of seeking statewide office, seemed particularly interested in running for the US Senate back when Caroline Kennedy appeared to be Gov. David Paterson’s preferred candidate to replace Hillary Clinton.

Six months after Paterson picked Gillibrand for Clinton’s seat, King (in an announcement that surprised very few observers), said he would seek re-election instead of running statewide, citing fundraising – or rather, the difficulty of raising sufficient cash to make a viable run – as the main reason behind this decision.

Blakeman said his support from King “further bolsters the growing momentum” behind his candidacy, noting he has been endorsed by 17 Republican county chairs, who account for more than the 25 percent he needs to get on the ballot at the convention next month, and four Conservative county chairs.

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