By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – It's looking like one member of the State Assembly may enter the race for the State Senate seat that had been held by the late Patricia McGee.
State Assemblywoman Cathy Young, a Republican from Olean, says she's seriously considering a run. With a special election scheduled for May 10th, Young admits she doesn't have much time to decide, much less to mount a campaign. Republicans hold a 13,000 person advantage over Democrats in the 57th Senate District. Young said she would be best equipped to carry out McGee's priorities.
"If I make that decision to go ahead, I certainly would be carrying on her legacy," Young said. "Pat and I worked together very closely every day, and she was a wonderful senator. She made so many wonderful strides for her district."
But state Democrats are expected to mount an aggressive campaign for the seat as part of their effort to gain control of the Republican-controlled Senate. But those efforts were dealt a blow Tuesday when State Assemblyman William Parment of the Jamestown area said he would not run. Parment said he can be more effective remaining as a member of the Democratic majority in the Assembly.
Chautauqua County Executive Mark Thomas removed his name from consideration Monday.
"No, I am not interested in running in this race. I made this very clear to party leaders in Albany and here," Thomas said.
McGee died April 2nd. Governor Pataki quickly called a special election in what some political observers say is an attempt to stop the Democrats from having the time to mount a challenge.
Young could run for the Senate in the special election without having to give up her Assembly seat.