David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential a Democratic hopeful to succeed state Sen. Kathy Marchione has emerged. Aaron Gladd, a policy adviser to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, was backed this week by the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. He is competing in the 43rd Senate District, which includes Columbia County and parts of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Washington counties. Ghent resident Koethi Zan earlier formed a campaign committee to run for the seat before Marchione announced her retirement, but Zan's campaign has now been suspended. Kenneth C. Crowe II is reporting the Rensselaer County Republican Committee May 19, put off endorsing a candidate in the race for two weeks. The county GOP will work with their counterparts in Columbia, Saratoga and Washington counties to elect a successor to Marchione. The committee heard from six potential candidates, including Marlene Tuczinski of Canaan, a former Columbia County district attorney. Read both stories in the Times Union.