The prospect of a Democratic takeover prompted Republicans to publicly close ranks around embattled Republican Senate Leader Joseph Bruno and privately pressure current members to run again in November.
Even veteran Sen. Mary Lou Rath, R-Amherst, was asked to reconsider her decision to retire at year's end, some officials said. She still plans to retire, a spokesman said.
Sorry, Joe.
But Rath said later Wednesday those efforts should cease. "It's flattering, of course," she said of the outreach by Republicans. "But it's time for me to take up some other challenges."
Rath said she was concerned about Democrats taking over the Senate - and, thereby, every level of state government - but would not run again to represent the district that spreads eastward from the Town of Tonawanda into Genesee County.
Her decision will generate even more pressure on Assemblyman James P. Hayes, R-Amherst, who recently said he will not seek the seat even though he has been eyeing it for years. Republicans say party leaders across the state will try to persuade Hayes to run because he is the one Republican with strong name recognition across a large part of the district.
But Hayes showed no signs of rethinking his plans.
"Nothing's changed in my mind - I'm looking forward to running for re-election," he said.
No thanks and no thanks. Ouch.
