Big Plans for Kolb?

Ontario County Assemblyman Brian Kolb is being encouraged by Republican County Chairmen to run for U.S. Senate against the vulnerable Kirsten Gillenbrand, says the Albany Times-Union.   Currently, Long Island businessman Bruce Blakeman is the only Republican actively seeking the seat.

We have a good regard for Kolb, the Assembly Minority leader, but hadn't thought of him as a statewide candidate before now, except possibly for Lieutenant Governor.   Still, Kolb has risen quickly in the Assembly, from his initial election in a squeaker in 2000, to his selection last April as Minority Leader.   Hey, Al D'Amato was a Town Supervisor when he was elected to the U.S. Senate back in 1980.   Now, more than ever, apparently, Kolb is someone to watch.