New York 26: Reynolds Won't Run Again

By Stuart Rothenberg

WKBW-TV in Buffalo, N.Y. is reporting that Cong. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) will not seek reelection and that the official announcement will be made on Thursday.

Reynolds’ exit means that the last two NRCC chairmen, Reynolds and Virginia Republican Tom Davis, will not seek reelection this year. The news could well lead to other GOP retirements, as rank-and-file members become further depressed about the party’s prospects and head for the exits.

While Reynolds’ district leans Republican, Democrats made a strong run at it in 2006 and were intent on giving him a stiff challenge again this time. A number of possible names are circulating on New York political blogs, including state Sen. George Maziarz and Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

UPDATE: Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly is also mentioned as a potential Republican candidate in the district. According to one GOP source, Kelly was mentioned when Cong. Jack Quinn (R) retired in the neighboring 27th District a few years ago, but his children were too young.