Long considered by Jefferson County Republicans as a formidable candidate for the 118th Assembly District, Jefferson County Legislator Philip N. Reed announced Friday that he wouldn't seek the seat.

"I've discussed it with my family and looked at my options," he said. "Right now, the time seems right to stay in the Jefferson County Legislature and keep working hard for the people of my district."

He offered no further comment.

Mr. Reed's decision to bow out was disheartening news to Jefferson County Republican Chairwoman Sandra L. Corey.

"I think we lost an extremely wonderful candidate," she said. "I'm not too sure what's going to happen next."

Mrs. Corey and her St. Lawrence County counterpart, Janet L. Kelly, had both advocated a party primary, a scenario that seems far less likely now that Mr. Reed is out.

St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia A. Ritchie is the front-runner, as she already has received support from the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee. Mrs. Ritchie hasn't formally announced her intention to seek the seat yet, but that decision is expected next week.

Mrs. Corey said there may be another interested person from Jefferson County, though she declined to name him.

"I think Patty is a good candidate, and I have nothing against her whatsoever," she said. But "because we had two excellent candidates, we felt the best thing for the community was to let them choose. We felt it wasn't something that the party leaders should choose."

Meanwhile, the Democrats have not yet offered a candidate for the seat, which was vacated Feb. 27 by state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent.

Possible candidates include Jefferson County Sheriff John P. Burns, St. Lawrence County Legislator Tedra L. Cobb, D-Canton, Massena Town Councilman John M. Wicke and Pamelia Town Councilman Timothy E. Kelly.

Ms. Cobb and Mr. Wicke could not be reached for comment Friday.

On Friday, Mr. Kelly said he was interested in the Democratic nomination.

"I believe I have something to offer the district from my background in business to my ties to Jefferson and St. Lawrence," said Mr. Kelly, 67. "I'm as viable as any of the candidates I've seen mentioned."

Mr. Kelly, an Ogdensburg native, said his primary reasons for running are to help retain and bring jobs to the area, to expand trail access to all-terrain vehicles and to expand the north country's transportation network.

Mr. Kelly is a retired tire store owner and salesman, having worked for Firestone and Cheney Tires before starting his own store, Tallmadge Tire and Auto Service Center, in 1993 on Arsenal Street. That store closed in 2001.

He also is retired from the Army Reserve, in which he attained the rank of major.

Mr. Kelly said his decision to run had nothing to do with his sister, the chairwoman of the St. Lawrence County Republicans. He said he's expressed his interest to both county Democratic chairpersons, but nothing else has transpired.

Massena Police Chief Timmy J. Currier, registered without party affiliation, has said he would like the Democratic nomination.

The party is expected to announce its candidate — or candidates — next week.

Donald J. Lucas, an Alcoa retiree and Massena fishing guide, intends to seek the seat as an independent.

While candidates line up, the back-and-forth sniping via press release that dominated the special election for the 48th state Senate District already has started in this race.

The Republican Assembly Campaign Committee responded Friday to comments the chairman of its Democratic counterpart made Thursday about Mrs. Ritchie.

A committee spokesman criticized Assembly Majority Leader Ronald J. Canestrari, D-Cohoes, for saying Mrs. Ritchie lied and spread incorrect information about Mr. Aubertine, who won a 2002 Assembly race between the two.

"He knows she has a proven record of accomplishment as St. Lawrence County clerk and that she would make an excellent candidate for the 118th Assembly District," spokesman Joshua K. FitzPatrick said in a prepared statement. "North country voters should decide who will run, not Ron Canestrari. He should butt out of north country business."

Mr. Canestrari slammed Mrs. Ritchie because a 2002 mailer said Mr. Aubertine voted to increase mortgage tax when he was a Jefferson County legislator. The state sets that rate, not the county.

Times staff writer Corey Fram contributed to this story.