By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Joel Giambra finally confirmed what was reported a couple of weeks ago. He has decided not to run against US Senator Charles Schumer.
At the Rath building Monday morning, Giambra was not able to tell reporters of his decision because he was waiting to speak with state republican chairman Sandy Treadwell. But he did explain that his family was first and foremost in making his final determination.
"The basis right now for me is family," Giambra said. "I'm going to make sure that I do what it takes to make sure my family is best served and that I'm not driven by my personal ambition or the Republican party's desire."
Just a few hours later, after speaking with Treadwell, Giambra confirmed he decided not to pursue a Senate run. In a telephone interview with WBFO News, he said while it was flattering to be consider, he wants to spend more time with his family, and a Senate campaign wouldn't allow that to happen.
Giambra said he also feels he owes it the voters to remain in his post after his recent re-election to serve another four years. But on the same day he withdrew his name for a 2004 state-wide run, Giambra said he's not ruling out 2006.
"In 2006 I will be in my third year of my second term. I think the voters will be much more understanding," Giambra said. "I also think I will have accomplished and achieved most of my policy objectives that I set out to achieve on January 1st of this year."
Giambra says as for his family, he will continue to convince them that 2006 might be a better time to wage a state-wide run.
For now, the list of potential Republican candidates to run against incumbent Schumer includes chairman Treadwell and state Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann from the Syracuse area.