5th Republican announces plans to leave NY Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A fifth Republican has announced that he won't seek re-election to the New York Senate.

Sen. Bill Larkin made his announcement Thursday in Newburgh. The 90-year-old has represented parts of the Hudson Valley for nearly 40 years, first in the state Assembly and then the state Senate.

Larkin is a combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Lawmakers from both parties praised his decades of service for his nation and New York.

Known as one of the most beloved members of the Senate, Larkin said his decision to retire has nothing to do with Democratic momentum ahead of the fall elections.

Four other GOP senators have recently announced plans to retire, prompting Democrats to predict that they may wrest Senate control from Republicans this November.

AP-WF-05-03-18 1646GMT