Sen. Lanza about to withdraw as well?

It appears as though Sen. Andrew Lanza is preparing for an exit from this race, following on the sudden exit by Dan Donovan.

via the NY Times;

Speculation centered on State Senator Andrew J. Lanza. But officials close to the senator said he was not inclined to run. Mr. Lanza is under intense pressure from Republican leaders in Albany to remain where he is. If he decides to run for Congress, Mr. Lanza would have to leave the Senate at a time when the Democrats need to capture just two seats to take control of the Senate for the first time in 40 years.

His withdraw may have little to do with Donovan's decision as it may have been in the works for a few days already. As we covered earlier recent comments appearing the Advance indicate that ironically family values may keep him from replacing Fossella his childhood friend;

"It's the so-called prize, but at what price?" Lanza (R-Staten Island) asked the Advance yesterday.

snip

Lanza said the state Legislature's six-month session and generally shorter workweek also allow him to devote time to both public service and his family.

snip

"I'm still away too much, but I've been able to strike a little bit of a balance."

We have seen the family dilemma not play itself out as expected with Mike McMahon, so we may see a similar response with Lanza. The decision is really a catch-22. Stay in the Senate and the party is forced to put up a third tier candidate for the Congressional race. Run for the Congressional seat and he is forced to give up his Senate seat which could cause the Senate to flip to the Democrats. The Senate is the lowest risk and allows him to be the leading contender for this Congressional race down the line in a more pro-Republican environment.