When US House of Representatives member Thomas M. Reynolds retires at the end of his term, a UB faculty member could replace him.
Local Republican leaders have approached Marsha Henderson, UB's vice president for External Affairs, to persuade her to accept the party's nomination.
Henderson is aware of the responsibilities and challenging nature of the job.
"To be asked to be a candidate for US Congress it quite an honor," Henderson said. "It requires a person to make a complete commitment to the process of running for the position and serving in a very demanding role."
Several politicians have already declined to run for the Republican ticket, including State Sen. George Maziarz of Newfane, and Assemblymen Jim Hayes and Stephen Hawley.
Local business executives have also been approached. Michael B. Powers, vice chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee and Jordan Levy, chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation have both decided not to run.
Rick Lewis, president of the Talking Phone Book, and David Bellavia, a local author and Iraq War veteran, are seriously considering pursuing the nomination, according to The Buffalo News.
Henderson, a former KeyBank regional president, has not yet decided if she will compete for the job.
"I am taking some time to consider the opportunity with my husband," Henderson said.
Henderson's hesitation to accept the nomination comes in part from her dedication to her job and to UB.
"I very much enjoy my work at UB and the opportunity to increase the level of resources available to support our university through government relations," Henderson said.
Reynolds set a high standard for the position he has held in the 26th Congressional District for five terms. The Washington Post deemed Reynolds one of the most influential Republicans in the House of Representatives.
Dennis R. Black, vice president for Student Affairs, thinks it would be beneficial for the district's citizens to elect someone outside of the political realm to replace Reynolds. Black has known Henderson as a local business leader and has worked with her closely since she joined UB several years ago.
"We need good leaders for good government," Black said. "We are all better off if good people consider leadership roles, particularly those with non-political backgrounds."
If Henderson accepts the nomination and wins the Republican candidacy, Black thinks her transition into politics would likely have more of an effect on the UB community than just hiring a new vice president for External Affairs.
"Much of what happens in Western New York impacts us, as would her run for Congress if she said 'yes,'" Black said.
Students like Tom Johnson, a UB Law School student, thinks the possible nomination reflects well on UB faculty and the community as a whole.
"It shows that the [faculty] are engaged in public policy, and that they're passionate about things," Johnson said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
