Even when it comes six months late, it’s still noteworthy. Congressman Peter King, Republican from Long Island, was apparently offered the job to be Obama’s ambassador to Ireland. He told Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel thanks, but no thanks.

Newsday:

Obama ultimately appointed Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as ambassador.

Had King accepted the offer, it would have placed in jeopardy one of two remaining GOP congressional seats in the state.

Obama on June 2 tapped North Country Republican John McHugh to be Army secretary. Rep. Chris Lee from suburban Buffalo is the state’s only other Republican in Congress. King is also the last Republican member of Congress from east of the Hudson River.

King’s congressional district went for McCain by a slim 52-47% margin, so if he did retire/resign, the district would be very much in play for both parties.

Related posts:

1. Obama nominates upstate Republican congressman for Secretary of the Army
2. Walsh pushes decent candidate for UN Ambassador?
3. NY-23 Race is warming up
4. McHugh on hold in the US Senate
5. Newsday says Kuhl still undecided, Walsh to vote for anti-escalation resolution