Reynolds: time to end congressional career
In government since 1974
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Rep. Thomas Reynolds announces he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2008 during a press conference held last Thursday. At left is his wife, Donna.

Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-26th District, wants to spend more time with his family and will step away from the political world.

The 57-year-old congressman said he talked his decision over with his wife, Donna, before he announced Thursday that he is not seeking re-election.

In his 10th year as a member of the House of Representatives, Reynolds said it's the right time to close out this chapter in his life.

"I look back with equal doses of pride and humility," Reynolds said in the announcement made at the Main-Transit Fire Hall.

Reynolds added that he has been honored by the years of support from voters who put their trust in him.

"Make no mistake, this is a Republican district and will again be represented by a Republican next year," Reynolds said.

When asked if he had lost the "fire in his belly," Reynolds said he'll be 58 when this term ends, and it's just time to stop.

A native of Springville, Reynolds rose through the many levels of government.

A member of the Erie County Legislature from 1982 to 1988, Reynolds started his service as a member of the Concord Town Board from 1974 to 1982, where he also served as deputy supervisor.

He served as Erie County Republican chairman from 1990 to 1996.

He was elected to the State Assembly in 1988 and was named Assembly Republican leader in 1995 - the first Republican from the eight counties of Western New York to lead an Assembly party conference in more than 60 years.

First sworn in to Congress in January 1999, Reynolds represented seven Western New York counties. His district encompasses parts of Erie, Monroe, Orleans and Niagara counties and all of Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties.

He said what meant the most to him while in Congress was helping those who needed assistance and solving problems for his constituents.

Reynolds looks forward to spending time with his family.

"It's also time to face reality," he said. "I have four grandchildren that hardly know me."

After 34 years in politics, Reynolds said he will miss elected service because it was exhilarating.

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole made the following statement after Reynolds announced his intentions to retire at the end of the 110th Congress:

"Tom Reynolds has served our nation and his constituents faithfully for 10 years. He can be proud of the service he has rendered in the House of Representatives. I wish him well in his future endeavors," he said. "New York's 26th Congressional District has a history of electing strong Republican leaders like former representatives Jack Kemp and Bill Paxon."

No candidates from the Republican Party have been named. Democrats Jon Powers and Jack Davis have both made their intentions to run known.