Well, this one certainly is coming as a surprise. The NY Daily News reports that veteran Democratic Rep. Mike McNulty of New York will announce his retirement soon:
Several well-placed sources confirm that Rep. Mike McNulty, a veteran Democrat from the 21st DC, is poised to announce he will not seek re-election next year – a move that will likely touch off a heated primary battle. […]McNulty’s spokeswoman refused to confirm or deny the congressman’s plans, but did say he is scheduled to make an announcement about his future on Monday at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.
Among those mentioned as possible contenders for the seat, which is located in a Democratic district and very unlikely to change hands: Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Assemblyman Ron Canestrari and Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, whose father, Samuel Stratton, held the seat until he withdrew from the race due to health issues.
If true, McNulty would be only the third Democrat to announce his retirement from the House next year — and the only one so far who is doing so without seeking to move on to a statewide office.
McNulty’s district is pretty safe territory for Democrats, with a PVI of D+8.7. Kerry won it by 12 points in 2004, and Gore by 17 points in ’00.
(H/T: The Albany Project)
Race Tracker: NY-21
UPDATE (David): McNulty made it official on Monday.