Mayor: Reynolds Should Stay in State Politics

Mayor Bloomberg added fuel yesterday to reports that he is pushing for Rep. Thomas Reynolds to chair the state Republican Party.

Mr. Bloomberg's chances in a possible gubernatorial run would improve if Mr. Reynolds, a former business associate, took the party reins after leaving office at the end of the year. He did not directly confirm plans to put Mr. Reynolds in the chairman's spot, but the mayor said that he has been encouraging him to stay in state politics.

"I would be sad to see him leave public service," Mr. Bloomberg said. "I think he has a lot to contribute in this state."

Mr. Reynolds would replace the current chairman, Joseph Mondello, whom critics say has allowed his party to atrophy since he took over a year and a half ago. But a spokesman for Mr. Mondello said Tuesday that Mr. Reynolds has assured the chairman that he is not interested in the position.

Mr. Reynolds, who is set to retire from the Buffalo-area seat that he has held since 1999, is said to be weighing his options.