(AP) - Orange County Executive Edward Diana says hewill not seek the Republican nomination to challenge DemocraticSen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Diana, who has overseen government operations in the largelysuburban Hudson Valley county since 2001, released a statementTuesday saying he is committed to serving as county executive.Republican officials had mentioned him as a possible candidate.

Gillibrand, a former U.S. House member from New York,was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of Secretary ofState Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Republicans running against Gillibrand include former LongIsland lawmaker Bruce Blakeman, former Rep. Joe DioGuardi andeconomist David Malpass.