CANTON — St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia A. Ritchie is reconsidering a bid for the 118th Assembly District seat, according to the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.

"She's definitely interested," said RACC spokesman Joshua K. FitzPatrick.

Mrs. Ritchie is at a conference out of the area and was unavailable for comment. She said in late March that she was not interested in running for the vacant seat because she's happy with the clerk's job and has family obligations.

She recently told the county GOP's executive committee that she is reconsidering, Mr. FitzPatrick said. Chairwoman Janet L. Kelly and other party leaders could not be reached to confirm.

Mrs. Ritchie scored the highest in a winter telephone poll RACC sponsored to determine the most popular candidate. She does not appear to have unanimous support.

"It's an emerging consensus," Mr. FitzPatrick said. "We at RACC believe she's absolutely the best candidate."