(
Rochester, N.Y.) – Congressman James Walsh of Onondaga is retiring. The Republican has held the 25
th district seat for two decades.
The district covers
Syracuse,
Wayne County,
Irondequoit, Penfield, and Webster.
“I climbed all the mountains I set out to climb in politics,” Walsh said.
A powerful member of the Appropriations Committee, he brought hundreds of millions of dollars home to his district.
His clout was diminished after Democrats took the House in 2006. That was also the year he nearly lost his seat to Democrat Dan Maffei. Walsh had been preparing for another grueling race this year.
Walsh said those factors, coupled with the desire to spend more time with his family, led to his decision.
“No matter when I say enough is enough, there's always one other race to be run. At some point, you just say, not this race,” he said.
Brooks on List of Possible Candidates
So who will the Republicans run for his seat?
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has been mentioned as a possible contender. She lives in the district, has name recognition, and is a proven fundraiser.
She didn’t rule it out when asked about the possibility.
“You know, I haven't even thought about it,” she said. “As I say, I'm hearing the news along with everyone else and I'm never one to say no to opportunity, but as of this moment, it hasn't presented itself as an opportunity.”
The other possible candidates are from the
Syracuse area, including an
Onondaga County legislator, the Onondaga District Attorney, and former Syracuse Mayor Roy Bernardi.
Brooks would not have to give up her seat if she were to run for the seat and lose.
On the Democrats side, Maffei is running again for the seat.
No Decision From Kuhl
Another area congressman who narrowly won reelection in 2006 is Randy Kuhl, a Republican from Hammondsport,
Steuben County. He represents the 29
th district, which covers
Monroe County’s southeastern suburbs.
A Kuhl spokeswoman said today he had not decided whether he would run for reelection.
