Here’s the statement from Rep. Ed Towns confirming last night’s reports that he is not seeking a 16th term this fall. He couldn’t help but slip in a little dig at his opponents, insisting he would have won had he remained in teh race. The 77-year-old Brooklyn Democrat had kept an almost nonexistent public schedule after repeatedly insisting (mostly through spokespeople) that he would be running for re-election. His departure comes on the day petitions are due and leaves two fellow Democrats – Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and NYC Councilman Charles Barron – vying for his seat. “After months of long family discussions, I have decided not to seek reelection for my seat in the United State House of Representatives,” Towns said. “I am very grateful for the support I have received over the years. I believe firmly that we would have won a 16th term had we decided to run.” “I am proud to have brought millions of dollars into my district for much needed improvements, fought corruption on Wall Street as Chair of the Congressional Oversight Committee and helped to bring healthcare to millions of uninsured Americans as a devoted advocate of healthcare reform. It has been an honor to have fought so that the people of New York can have more opportunities and a chance to live better lives.”