Dems recruiting former Giant Carson for House bid

[February 09, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democrats are envisioning another Giants victory -- not by the professional football team, but by Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson in a congressional run.

Officials with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are recruiting the 58-year-old retired New York Giant f for a race against five-term Republican Rep. Scott Garrett in a northern New Jersey district.

Carson said Wednesday he's interested.

"I may be able to speak more about it in the next week or two," Carson said in a telephone interview.

Carson said he had just arrived in Hawaii for a family vacation after a chaotic and difficult two months, marked by the deaths of his brother and stepfather-in-law. He also mentioned the excitement of his former team's improbable playoff run from a 9-7 record to Super Bowl champions.

"This is an opportunity for me to clear my mind, think rationally about my future and whether I do something along that line," he said of a political career.

Carson spent 13 years with the Giants, from 1976 to 1988, and was on the championship team in 1986. Carson said he was at Sunday night's game in Indianapolis in which the Giants beat the New England Patriots, 21-17, to win their fourth Super Bowl title.

Since retiring, Carson has worked in broadcasting, written two books and started his own consulting and promotions company. He also has focused on concussions in sports. .

[Associated Press; By DONNA CASSATA]

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