Bruno Stepping Down

In a surprising statement Monday evening State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno announced he will not be seeking re-election this fall. Bruno said it was time to move on after 32 years in office, and 13 years as Majority Leader. Bruno told Governor Paterson of his decision earlier Monday, the last day of the 2008 Legislative session. Speculation is ripe over the timing of Bruno's announcement. The Republican leadership of the Senate is facing a fight, as Democrats are poised to take control. Bruno lost his wife Barbara in January, and has been under FBI investigation for more than a year, for his business associations outside of state government.