Long Island Rep. Set to “Do Utica”

Congressman Gary Ackerman is heading to Utica.

The Long Island congressman who rankled upstate sensibilities with a derogatory comment about the central New York city is expected to visit Utica on Monday.

Earlier this month, Ackerman told a radio interviewer that he was not interested in replacing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton if she's confirmed as secretary of state.

"I don't do Utica, and that's a qualification for the job," the sharp-tongued lawmaker said, setting off an immediate backlash up and down the Erie Canal.

A spokesman for Utica Mayor David Roefaro says Ackerman will tour the city with the mayor and Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-Utica). A recently renovated theater and arts center are on the tour.

Ackerman's spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment.