ALBANY, N.Y. -- Each of the three people who say they're either running or considering running for Joe Bruno's open Senate seat first took the time to thank him for his decades of service to the Capital Region.

Assemblyman Roy McDonald is interested in Bruno's seat. McDonald has been in his Assembly position since 2002 and already has Bruno's backing.

McDonald said, "He's supporting me and I'm honored by that. I have lots of people supporting me and I plan on running."

McDonald says the work he did before serving in the Assembly will help get him support as well. Meanwhile, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino says she's considering a run.

"Well I am considering circulating petitions at this point in time. With all the challenges we face at the county level and being driven by unfunded mandates by the state and their impact on our tax payers, that needs to

be a center of discussion and debate during this election."

Local attorney and political newcomer Brian Premo says he'll be running as a Democrat. He says state government here is dysfunctional and he'll work to bring change and reform, no matter who he may end up running against.

"We're prepared to move forward with our campaign regardless of who may be the challenger on the Republican side," said Premo.

Meanwhile, even those who've worked in politics for years say no one can fill Bruno's shoes.

"I can't. Nobody can. What you can do is do the best you possibly can," said McDonald.