Published: March 19, 2008 10:57 pm            

POLITICS: Reynolds not expected to run again

Multiple sources within the Niagara County Republican party said late Wednesday they expect Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-Clarence, will announce today that he will not seek a sixth term in office.

Neither source would speak for publication of the development, but both confirmed the subject of a noon press conference was Reynolds’ decision to leave politics.

Once an elite member of the GOP leadership caucus in the House of Representatives, Reynolds faced a stiff bid for re-election in 2006 from Akron Democrat Jack Davis. The two men squared off in a heated contest after questions were raised about Reynolds’ knowledge of the scandal involving former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Florida, and his pursuit of teenage male pages. Reynolds apologized to voters for his conduct during the scandal after it became public that he had knowledge of the inappropriate conduct, as did members of his staff.

Reynolds was chairman of the National Republican Campaign Committee, the committee that raises money and helps Republicans across the country in close House races.

Just last month, it became public that the FBI is investigating fundraising practices at the NRCC both during and before Reynolds’ tenure as chairman. Investigators are seeking to determine whether the organization was properly reporting the donations it received.

        

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