Two reps challenge their senators

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Two U.S. House Democrats threw down the gauntlet to unseat their counterparts in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania said Wednesday he would challenge Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter for his Senate seat and Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York said she would challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, appointed to replace Hillary Clinton when she was confirmed as secretary of state, The Hill reported.

"I am going to get into the race against Arlen Specter in the Democratic race for senator," Sestak told the Wayne (Pa.) Independent Wednesday.

Paul Blank, an adviser to Maloney, said she officially was in the race.

"Congresswoman Maloney has made her decision," said Blank, who will be her top adviser in her Senate race. "She believes times are too tough and our challenges too important for politics as usual."

Several members of New York's congressional delegation were critical of Gov. Dave Paterson's appointment of Gillibrand because of her conservative positions on guns and illegal immigration.