Things just got even worse for House Republicans; their top choice to replace disgraced Rep. Vito Fossella in New York's 13th District has turned down a run.
The decision by Mr. Donovan not to run was a stunning one to many Republican leaders on Staten Island. "It’s disappointing to me that Dan Donovan is not running," said Guy V. Molinari, the former Staten Island borough president and unofficial dean of Republicans in that borough.
"I believe that he was our strongest candidate and that some Democrats would have not run if Dan had been a candidate," said Mr. Molinari, who represented the district in Congress from 1981 to 1989. "We’re attempting to find the person who offers the best opportunity to hold the seat. But these aren’t good times for Republicans to begin with."
No, Mr. Molinari, they certainly are not.
Donovan's statement:
"While I am sincerely flattered by the time and attention focused on me at this time, and I am truly humbled by the expression of trust so many have placed in me and in my ability that they would forward my name to be the person to represent Staten Island in Congress, I feel that at this time, I am best able to serve the people of Staten Island in the position to which they re-elected me by such an overwhelming margin just six months ago as their District Attorney," Donovan said.
"Therefore, I am now removing my name for consideration for a candidacy for Congress. In doing so, I want to thank all of the individuals, too numerous to mention here, from both the local and national levels who
have contacted me urging me to run for Congress and offering their support. I am truly humbled by the faith you have expressed in me."
Translation: "There are things I'd rather do than parachute onto the Titanic, thanks".
Donovan's decision leaves State Sen. Andrew Lanza as the likeliest GOP candidate for this D+0.8 seat, but his candidacy presents another problem for Republicans; it would create an open seat in the State Senate, of which Democrats are attempting to gain control in November.
These are interesting times, indeed. Especially if you're a Democrat.
