David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola will soon decide if he will seek the Republican nomination to succeed Kathy Marchione in the state Senate. “I am definitely entertaining the idea right now,” Merola said. “I never thought about being a senator until Kathy Marchione decided she didn’t want to be in the mix.” Marchione suddenly announced her intention to retire April 26. Merola said he is debating whether the job is the right fit for him and if he wants to represent a four-county area. He has served as county clerk since 1998. For nearly 10 years, the 43rd Senate District, which includes Columbia County and parts of Rensselaer, Washington and Saratoga counties, has been represented by senators from Saratoga County. The last senator from Rensselaer County was Republican Joe Bruno. Merola said he intends to make his decision before the Rensselaer County Republicans' executive committee meets May 5. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.