Cohen: ‘Anxious’ To See New District Lines (Updated)

Republican businessman Bob Cohen is “definitely” running for the Senate seat being vacated by longtime Democratic incumbent Suzi Oppenheimer.

Cohen, a Scarsdale resident, came within a hair’s breath of nabbing the seat away from Oppenheimer, who struggled to explain her vote on the controversial MTA payroll tax in suburban and commuter-heavily Westchester County.

But Cohen, who has been raising money in anticipation of the race, said he’s “anxious” to see what the district might look like once the lines are redrawn.

“I think I’m anxious like everyone else to see what the new lines might look like,” Cohen said in a phone interview. “I’d like to see what those are going to be. The district was designed for a Democrat to win.”

Cohen said he plans to make a formal announcement for a Senate campaign soon.

SD-37 is heavily weighted for Democrats. The party has 89,892 Democrats compared to 47,481. Non-enrolled or those with third-party enrollment account for 57,925 voters.

Still, Cohen likes his chances of winning the seat.

“I think the likelihood of success is much greater now that Senator Oppenheimer is not running again,” he said. “I think the voters are looking for change in this district.”

Republicans control the chamber 32-29 (not counting the four Democrats who conference separately under the Independent Democratic Conference banner), with one vacancy.

Another variable is the possibility of a 63rd Senate seat, which Republicans say can be added because the overall state’s population has increased overall, but Democrats call a power grab.

The possible Democrats running for the seat are a pair of Assembly lawmakers: Amy Paulin and George Latimer.

Senate Republicans, meanwhile, also like their chances with taking the district away from Democrats.

“Senator Oppenheimer should be proud of her outstanding career in public service, and we certainly wish her well in the future,” said Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif. “However, this decision shows that even the Senate Democrats, who are already down to 25 members, know that we are going to expand our majority following the 2012 elections.”

Cohen, or any Republican for that matter, may be hampered by the simple of math of it being a presidential election year, which tends to draw more Democrats in New York.

Update: Oh we gotta dueling statement battle going down up in here! Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy responded to Reif, saying,

“It’s not surprising that Senate Republicans would be so crass as to focus on the political implications of Senator Oppenheimer’s decision, especially considering their desperation to hold on to their dwindling grasp on political power. Today is a day to honor Senator Oppenheimer’s accomplishments and her many years of public service. There will come a time for politics soon enough.”