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Area Democrats Eyeing LaFalce's Seat

Buffalo, NY – At least three area Democrats are considering a run for congress following John Lafalce's announcement that he will retire.

State Senator Byron Brown said Wednesday, shortly after the Congressman announced his retirement, that he will run.

And Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and Erie County legislator Chuck Swanick say they are exploring a possible run for the newly carved district seat.

The so called "earmuff" congressional district stretches from Buffalo to Rochester along Lake Ontario, however, with the larger portions in Erie and Niagara Counties.

The potential candidates acknowledged it would be a difficult district to represent, and an expense campaign to run. Democratic State Senator Byron Brown has also announced his intentions to seek the congressional seat.

Brown, Hoyt and Swanick - and any other Democratic challengers - would have to battle incumbent Representative Louis Slaughter, whose district in Rochester is folded into the newly formed district.