By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-688151.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Incumbent Clarence congressman Thomas Reynolds will not seek reelection to a sixth term this November.
Reynolds was once considered a potential candidate for the top leadership post in the US House of Representatives. But now the long-time lawmaker says he is ready to retire at the end of this year. Reynolds made the announcement at the Main-Transit Fire station in Williamsville Thursday.
Reynolds says he is leaving public office so he has more time to focus on his family. But Reynolds insists that his decision is not based on recent setbacks among the GOP in Congress.
State Senator George Maziarz of Newfane and State Assemblyman James Hayes of Amherst are on the Republican's shortlist of potential successors.
Maziarz, who attended Reynolds' announcement, said he is not ready to make a decision just yet.
Jonathan Powers of Clarence and Alice Kryzan of Buffalo are announced Democratic candidates. Akron businessman Jack Davis, who ran competitive campaigns against Reynolds in 2004 and 2006, is also expected to seek the Democratic nomination.
Click the "listen" icon above to hear the Reynolds announcement now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.