State Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane, will not run for the seat of retiring Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, two sources close to the situation said this morning.
One of the sources said Maziarz will officially announce his decision later today, citing considerations about family, ongoing projects under his sponsorship, and preserving a shaky Republican majority in the Senate.
The move shines a new spotlight on Assemblyman James P. Hayes, R-Williamsville, who has expressed serious interest in running for the Reynolds seat. Though nothing is settled, Hayes is expected to make a strong case to party leaders for the nomination.
But other Republicans who said they would run only if Maziarz didn't now also merit serious consideration. They include Michael B. Powers, an attorney and vice chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee; David Bellavia, an Iraq war veteran who recently wrote a book on his experiences, and Nick Sinatra, a top White House aide with extensive political contacts.
The Democratic field increased over the weekend on the Democratic side when County Clerk Kathleen C. Hochul said she may run. The other Democratic candidates include Amherst attorney Alice J. Kryzan; industrialist Jack Davis, and Iraq war veteran Jonathan Powers.
Maziarz was running for this seat on Friday. Today he isn't. What happened? What did he get from Bruno?
Regardless, it's hard not to see this development as a big plus for Jon Powers. Maziarz was probably the GOP's best shot at holding this seat and he's taking a pass.
