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Senator to forego run to remain in State Senate
Last November, I was proud to play a pivotal
role in helping Republicans regain the majority in the New York State Senate,
not for any political gain but because I believe it re-established a strong
voice for upstate New York within state government.
As part of the transition to the majority, I am now the third-ranking member in
the Senate and the highest-ranking senator from Western New York since the days
of one of my heroes, Sen. Earl Brydges. It is from this post, and the influence
that comes with it, that I can have the greatest impact for our community. That
is why I have notified Majority Leader Dean Skelos that I am declining to run
for a seat in the House of Representatives.
As the leader of the Western New York delegation, I am focused on the issues
that matter to me, my constituents and the region as a whole. I believe that
issues such as creating jobs, enacting a property tax cap, implementing UB 2020
and getting a better deal from the New York Power Authority are best addressed
if I'm in Albany. While the thought of serving in Congress is certainly
appealing, these issues take priority over that.
I thank my family for their tremendous support while I deliberated and I
appreciate all the encouragement I have received, from those telling me to run
to those saying the region needs me in Albany. Now, it's time to focus on the
job at hand.