Queens City Councilman Eric Ulrich announced this morning his bid to take on Democratic Sen. Joe Addabbo through a YouTube video.

“I will be a state senator that never stops fighting for the middle class,” Ulrich says in the video released just after 10 a.m. this morning. “I’ve watched too many of my friends and relatives pack up and move out of New York because they simply could not afford to live here any longer.”

The video was posted to Ulrich’s new website, which launched this morning as well.

Addabbo, of course, is one of the Democratic senators who switched their no votes to yes on same-sex marriage last year (the others being Sens. Shirley Huntley and Carl Kruger).

Ulrich, considered a rising star in the New York City Republican ranks and a councilman for the last three years, does not mention same-sex marriage or even his potential fall opponent.

Instead, he focuses on middle-class and business tax cuts. He also says he would push for “investment” in higher education so “young people” like him can stay in New York

Ulrich is also the chairman of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s campaign for New York City. Earlier this week Romney said he was in favor of a Democratic-tinged proposal that would help lower student loan debt.

“I believe I can accomplish even more if you send me to Albany,” he says.

The announcement today is curious, considering that only days ago it was reported Ulrich was not interested in running for the seat.

A Senate GOP source was already crowing about what the 32-member majority believes is a chance to expand.

“This is more good news for the Senate Republicans and more bad news for the Senate Democrats, and they didn’t need any more bad news,” the source said. “We’re very high on Eric Ulrich and he’s gonna win this seat.”

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