The Hill News

The Times Square vendor who alerted authorities to an attempted 2010 car bombing plans to challenge Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.) in New York's 19th congressional district.

Duane Jackson, who sells handbags in the bustling square in downtown Manhattan, said the incident â€" and his brief moment of celebrity â€" inspired him to seek the Democratic nomination.

"It was kind of an epiphany for me," he told The Associated Press. "I had a call from President Obama. I had people from all over the world come and thank me for, you know, seeing something and saying something. I can tell people, especially young people and people in the minority communities, it's OK to get involved in the running of thi! s country."

Jackson is a Navy veteran and has worked in the city's education and housing departments. He is able to work in Times Square because of special vendor permits the city grants to wounded veterans.

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