Bruno, N.Y. Senate Majority Leader, Won’t Seek Re-Election

[JackBeck]

This is huge news! The Repugs only hold a one vote majority over the Democrats in the New York Senate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/nyregion/23cnd-bruno.html?em&ex=1214366400&en=3c5e109e3b29812c&ei=5087%0A

By DANNY HAKIM
Published: June 23, 2008

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, the New York State’s highest-ranking Republican, said Monday evening that he would step down at the end of his term in December.

“Today, I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed them that I will not be running for re-election this November,” Mr. Bruno said in a statement. “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 news startled people in the State House, especially Republicans, who had not anticipated the move. Mr. Bruno, 79, has been their leader since 1995.

It is not clear whether he would remain Senate majority leader as the Republicans struggle to hold on to their one-seat majority in the November election.

[malaise]

1. What's the scandal? n/t

[JackBeck]

3. "Outside business activities".

Must be pay-back for Spitzer.

[malaise]

7. Just heard that on CSpan's Washington Journal

I knew there was something else.

[cordelia]

5. First thing I thought of. n/t

[Eric J in MN]

2. Could his district go Democratic? NT

NT

[JackBeck]

4. If Hastert and Trott can lose their seats to a Democrat.

Anything is possible.

[ErinBerin84]

6. Bruno's a family friend, and I'm pretty sure his wife passed away this year.

I haven't been around my family much, but I think that my sister mentioned it to me recently. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it, but it's possible. Albany politics are very much seeped with scandal in general though, so I don't know.