One of the first candidates to announce his bid for New York’s 50th senate district seat is out of the race, and says he’s done with elected office. Republican Jim Rowley made his decision days after fellow republican and Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro announced his decision to also seek the GOP nomination. Rowley, who’s also chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, says the numbers just don’t favor him or republicans in general.
“Given the fact that this race will be in a presidential year with a much higher turnout, I came to the conclusion that it's a jump ball at best, and it's really an uphill battle. That's the way I look at it," Rowley said. "Other people who've expressed interest probably look at it a different way.”
That would seem to be the case for Nick Paro, who has the support of GOP county legislators in the senate district, as well as party leaders in three towns. Rowley says it made sense to bow out before a primary.
“The GOP, they all need to get on the same page when someone and all pull in the same direction," Rowley said. "I think the Conservative Party has to come along as well. And whoever the candidate it is has to appeal to crossover voters, swing voters. So all of that has to happen, and we have to really come together to even have a shot.”
Rowley says it’s proving increasingly difficult for republicans to even win county-wide races. He says recent losses for judicial seats and others have him concerned about the future of the party.
“We can't put anybody over the top anymore," Rowley said. "We lost the clerk's seat, which was really surprising to me. And the controllers race really gave me pause. I thought he had an uphill battle to begin with, but I thought he'd get another 10 or 12 points on his total. The margin was pretty substantial.”
Republican and former county legislator Casey Jordan lost to incumbent democrat Marty Masterpole 65 to 34 percent.
Democrat Emily Essi edged out incumbent Lisa Dell by about 300 votes.
Rowley says he’ll finish out his term on the legislature in a few weeks, and pursue other opportunities tied to his career in finance, government, or school district administration.
“I am done with elective office. I can honestly say that I will never run again.”
The 50th senate district seat is currently held by Democrat John Mannion, who's seeking the 22nd congressional district seat.
Democrats Al Stirpe, Tom Drumm, and Chris Ryan are also seeking to succeed Mannion.
