"Politics is a tough ball game. Tougher now than it has ever been," Bruno said in a statement released Monday evening. "But after 32 years of many successes and a few failures, I know now more than ever and I can say that with comfort and confidence, there is no calling greater than that of public service."

Even in a year rife with political bombshells, the departure effective January jolted a capital intent on insuring Monday’s last day of session would be unromantic. Rumors of the 79-year-old's retirement trickled out for weeks, only to be quashed by the former Army boxer. And Bruno gave no hints in a joint appearance Monday afternoon with Governor Paterson and the Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Bruno stepping down

There are shockwaves in state political waters with the announcement New York’s top republican is stepping down. Our Josh Robin has the story and what it means.

Later, after informing colleagues, the normally talkative Bruno left a dark office.

“I think that it is in some ways it is a sad day in Albany and for me, who like to think that I have a friendship with him outside of government,” Paterson said.

Also extolling him, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose generous campaign contributions to Bruno's caucus ensured the city agenda had state allies.

But Bruno leaves with a mixed record. The Republicans once commanding majority in the state senate has shrunk to a pair of seats. To hold power, Bruno sometimes abandoned core GOP principles, allowing government growth at a clip many call unsustainable. And the link between Bruno's side businesses and his public life is now the subject of an FBI investigation.

Aides insist that probe was not behind the decision to step down. Republicans meanwhile choose a new leader next session in January, if they still hold power in the state senate.