Breaking: Maziarz reportedly won’t run for NY-26th
From the AP:
A state lawmaker won’t seek the western New York congressional seat currently held by Republican Thomas Reynolds.
That’s according to a report on the Buffalo News Web site.
The newspaper reports that George Maziarz (MAZ’-ee-arz) will announce later today that he has decided not run for the 26th Congressional District seat.
See the entire report here.
Update: The D&C also filed this report by Jill Terreri:
Maziarz, R-Newfane, informed his inner circle this morning, said Niagara County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek, who attended the breakfast meeting.
Wojtaszek, who some Republicans have also mentioned as a possible successor to Reynolds, said he won’t be running. Niagara County Republicans will be suggesting Wheatfield Supervisor Timothy Demler for the race, Wojtaszek said.
Maziarz weighed family considerations, his position of leadership in the state Senate — he is chairman of the Energy Committee — and projects he has yet to finish in his district, Wojtaszek said.
Whatever his reasons for not running, this should help Jon…my guess was that Maziarz would have been their strongest candidate against him. Although there are other elected officials seemingly waiting in the (right) wings, making up their minds, this race is looking better all the time.
I’m glad Maziarz is not in. I lived in Niagara County for a year recently (and Louise was my congress-person there as she in in Fairport — go figure!)
My impression was the Maziarz was well known and well liked. There’s a good article about Maziarz and other possible Repub options to run for Reynolds’ seat here. I don’t think Demler is the guy. Outside of Wheatfield he’s got little recognition, and has already lost a state-wide office once (Assembly in 2002 to DelMonte).
[...] As we mentioned yesterday, State Senator George Maziarz, widely considered to be the leading Republican candidate for New York’s 26th Congressional district, won’t enter the race after all.ÂÂ Here’s more detail from the D&C: The Republicans’ leading candidate to replace Rep. Thomas Reynolds in Congress said Monday he will not run, leaving a hole in the party’s plans for the seat, which could be filled with a host of other candidates. [...]