NYC Councilman Charged in Bribe Case Won't Seek Re-election

Accused of taking money to help potential mayoral candidate

A New York City councilman charged with taking bribes to help a would-be mayoral candidate won't run for re-election.

Councilman Daniel Halloran said in a statement Wednesday he won't seek to keep his Queens seat in November. He says he needs to focus on clearing his name.

The one-term Republican has pleaded not guilty to accepting payoffs to help state Sen. Malcolm Smith buy himself a shot at the Republican mayoral nomination. Smith ultimately didn't run. He denies the allegations.