Add two more names to the list of potential successors to former Rep. Chris Lee, R-Amherst, who resigned Wednesday from Congress.
Both are "Jacks," and both are well known.
Jack Davis, who ran for the seat three times when it was held by former Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, said he is seriously considering a fourth shot -- but this time as a Republican. The Akron industrialist who ran before as a Democrat, said he returned to his original GOP roots about a month ago.
And sources close to former Assemblyman Jack F. Quinn III, R-Hamburg, said he is also eyeing the seat.
Davis said he has spoken to Erie County Republican Chairman Nicholas A. Langworthy, adding that he would resurrect his stance against free trade and that he would once again be willing to spend considerable amounts of his own money.
"I still have a terrible problem [with free trade]," he said. "The country needs me."
He called Lee's resignation a "big disappointment," adding he had lunch with him last week and was encouraged by his positions in Congress.
Quinn lost a race for the State Senate in November and has about $125,000 in a state campaign account, which would be ineligible for a federal race.
--Robert J. McCarthy
