Days after Richard David's announcement he won't be running for Binghamton mayor, the chairman of the Broome County Republican Party doesn't seem worried.

David ran for mayor four years ago and he'd been planning to make a formal announcement this week that he would seek the Republican nomination. But Friday he said he decided against running, citing past late tax payments that could have become a distraction during a campaign.

David today told WNBF News he didn't wish to comment further about his decision beyond the statement he released revealing his decision.

Broome County Republican chairman David Hamlin this afternoon said he feels "very optimistic" about the mayor's race this year, despite the unexpected move by David.

Hamlin said city residents will "just have to wait a couple weeks" for an announcement by a person he believes will be a "strong candidate."

Hamlin declined to identify the prospective candidate who may be interested in trying to put a Republican back in charge at City Hall.

Democrat Matthew Ryan can't run for re-election because of Binghamton's newly-enacted term limit rule.

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