Top GOP recruit drops House bid in New York

One of House Republicans’ top recruits has decided not to seek the seat of freshman Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.), citing “personal reasons.”

{mosads}Andrew Saul, a wealthy businessman, who proved to be a potent fundraiser and was favored by national Republicans in the battleground district, issued a brief statement announcing his abrupt exit from the race.

“I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of this campaign,” Saul said without elaborating on the reason for his departure, which leaves a hole in a top-targeted race.

Iraq veteran Kieran Michael Lalor, a political unknown, is weighing a run but has no reports on file with the Federal Election Commission and has criticized the National Republican Congressional Committee for supporting Saul.