Taking note of the fact that there is unlikely to be a Democratic primary in the race to replace retiring Rep. Jim Walsh (R), Randy Wolken (R), the president of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, announced late last week that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing former New York State Fair Director Peter Cappuccilli (R).

“I looked at it from all angles and considered a primary,” Wolken told the Syracuse Post-Standard. “But as I looked at it, I decided it would be counterproductive. I saw the Democrats have a well-funded candidate, and the best way for us to win is to get behind a Republican candidate now.”

Democrats have rallied around former Capitol Hill aide Dan Maffei, their 2006 nominee, in the race to replace Walsh. Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll (D) had created an exploratory committee and was considering entering the race, but he decided earlier this month not to run. Maffei was Driscoll’s campaign manager in the mayor’s 2005 re-election contest.

The Syracuse-based district is one of the Democrats’ best pickup opportunities this election cycle.
— Josh Kurtz