U.S. Naval Academy

"Nine months ago, my daughter Fiona, a student at the United States Naval Academy, reminded me that service to one's country is both an honor and an obligation. She challenged me to return to public service, to re-apply the skills and expertise I acquired while serving three U.S. Presidents on behalf of our state and nation.

"Today, I accept my daughter's challenge by announcing that I am running to be my party's nominee for the United States Senate from the State of New York. Toward that end, I have formed an exploratory committee, which I expect to upgrade to a full Senate campaign committee in the coming days."

Now we get a few more months, at least, of Hillary saying, "I'd love to engage my challenger, but the GOP really needs to figure things out first."

Also: Will GOPers buy that McFarland's time in the Reagan Pentagon PR apparatus makes her a national-security expert today?

Full statement after the jump.  read more »