State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno Won't Seek Re-Election

Photograph of State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, standing in between Governor David Paterson and Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, earlier today by Mike Groll/AP

The highest ranking Republican in NY State, State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, announced he would not seek re-election this fall. The 79-year-old released a statement; here is an excerpt (the full statement is after the jump:

"Today I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed them that I will not be running for re-election this November. After 32 years in office, I have decided that it is time to move on with my life and to give my constituents an opportunity for new representation and my colleagues in the Senate who have supported me an opportunity for new leadership."

The Daily Politics reports that Bruno will stay on through the end of the year, "because if he leaves, the chamber will be tied." The Post explains, "Bruno has presided over a sharp decline in GOP fortunes in recent years as his majority slipped from a high of 38 members to the current low of 32, just one vote shy of losing majority status."

Currently, the Republicans control the State Senate, while the Democrats lead the Assembly. Recently, state Democrats have working to gain power of the Senate through elections this fall. Republicans were described as stunned--one senator told the NY Times, possibly not totally jokingly, "I need a drink." Now many wonder if the older Republican State Senators that Bruno convinced to run for re-election will continue to do so.

Governor David Paterson, who, unlike his predecessor Eliot Spitzer, has a good relationship with Bruno, said, "It's a sad say for Albany, and for me." Additionally, Bruno, who is being investigated by the FBI for improper ties to the unions, apparently told Republicans that probe played no part in his decision to retire. And as recently as last year, Bruno offered his gut for punching.

"Today I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed them that I will not be running for re-election this November."
"After 32 years in office, I have decided that it is time to move on with my life and to give my constituents an opportunity for new representation and my colleagues in the Senate who have supported me an opportunity for new leadership."

"Public service has been a blessing for which I will be ever grateful. I have had the opportunity to work for and with hundreds of proud, distinguished New Yorkers. I have viewed my work not as a job but as a privilege to come here day in and day out and stand up for the people of Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and stand up for hardworking people I have come to know through the years."

"Politics is a tough ball game. Tougher now than it has ever been. But after 32 years of many successes and a few failures, I know now more than ever, and I can say that with comfort and confidence, there is no calling greater than that of public service. There have been few more rewarding experiences in my life. But, timing in life is everything. While there may never be a good time to make these kinds of life decisions, I have decided that it is time for me to move on with my life."

"I do so with a heavy heart, but an optimistic soul, and I will rest peaceful in the knowledge that so many great things lie ahead for the great state that I have had the honor and privilege to serve."

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By Jen Chung in News on June 23, 2008 9:04 PM

Comments [rss]

jenspellnogood

i understand the trepidation as to what we may be in store for, but the bonus as far as I'm concerned is the line of succession to the state house. given the fragility of our governor, and no lt. governor until a general election, bruno was in line to take over in case he pulled a hillary and patterson became the next vince foster.

JenChungsBaby

Thirty-two years of success in avoiding prosecution. Will he make it to 33?

lagomorph

I'm with Spiritof76, I'd really like to know who's going to replace Bruno before cracking out the bubbly and awaiting some actual motion in Albany. with the elections coming up it could come from either side of the aisle.

I can't say I'm surprised that he's resigning seeing that he only had a one seat hold on his position in the senate and things are not going to be looking good for the GOP this year with the economy the way it is. He's going out on a high note for his career. The man ain't dumb.

Spirit of 76

It's good news... to a point. The only question is where we go from here. As awful as Bruno is, I don't think he's the worst we can get. I'm just worried about the devils we don't know versus the devil we had for 32 years. Be careful what you wish for. This isn't like Dubya, where there's no place to go but up next January.