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Disgraced Councilman Dan Halloran Won't Run for Reelection

By Jeanmarie Evelly | May 1, 2013 1:48pm | Updated on May 1, 2013 2:01pm

WHITESTONE — City Councilman Dan Halloran won't seek reelection this year, opting instead to focus on clearing his name in the face of corruption and bribery allegations, the Queens lawmaker said Wednesday in a statement published by Capital New York.

"Regrettably, I must now focus my attention on clearing my name and restoring my reputation, while I continue to discharge my sworn duties as a member of the New York City Council," Halloran said in a statement.

"After much thought, I have concluded that it is impossible for me to properly do these things and take on the enormous demands of a political campaign, so I will not pursue another term in the Council."

Halloran was elected to the City Council in 2009, representing the eastern Queens neighborhoods of College Point, Auburndale-Flushing, Bayside, Whitestone, Bay Terrace, Douglaston, and Little Neck.

He is accused of playing a role in an alleged bribery scheme to get State Sen. Malcolm Smith on the Republican mayoral ticket for this fall.

An ex-police cadet, Halloran allegedly accepted nearly $40,000 in cash for his services and demanded a role as deputy NYPD commissioner or deputy mayor in a potential Smith mayoral administration.

Halloran and Smith both pleaded not guilty to the charges last week.