Source: Bruno Not Running

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By Azi Paybarah

June 23, 2008 | 6:45 p.m

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An Albany insider confirmed Joe Bruno's office is working on an official statement announcing that the 32-year-incumbent who's led the Republicans in the State Senate since 1995 will not seek re-election this fall.

It's been a tough year for Bruno. In January, his wife passed away after a long illness. He's also been dogged by an ongoing federal probe investigation his business dealings.

Bruno's Republican conference currently have a two-seat majority, and it was unclear whether they would maintain that beyond this year's elections.

A spokesman at Bruno's Albany office said they have not made an official announcement yet and declined to comment.

UPDATE: Here's the statement from Bruno, where he says, "While there may never be a good time to make these kinds of life decisions, I have decided that it is time for me to move on with my life."

STATEMENT BY SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH L. BRUNO

      Today, I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed
them that I will not be running for re-election this November.

      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.

      Public service has been a blessing for which I will be ever grateful.
I have had the opportunity to work for and with hundreds of proud,
distinguished New Yorkers. I have viewed my work not as a job, but as a
privilege to come here day in and day out and stand up for the people of
Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and stand up for the hardworking people I
have come to know over the years.

      Politics is a tough ball game. Tougher now than it has ever been.
But after 32 years of many successes and a few failures, I know now more
than ever, and I can say that with comfort and confidence, there is no
calling greater than that of public service. There have been few more
rewarding experiences in my life. But, timing in life is everything.
While there may never be a good time to make these kinds of life decisions,
I have decided that it is time for me to move on with my life.

      I do so with a heavy heart, but an optimistic soul. And I will rest
peaceful in the knowledge that so many great things lie ahead for this
great State that I have had the honor and privilege to serve.

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