But there is little to be proud of, county Republicans said.

A new Republican candidate is to be selected today by county Republicans.

The county Republicans will help with a districtwide mailing.

Most of the recent litigation has involved candidates within the same party, said Aldo V. Vitagliano, an election lawyer retained by county Republicans.

"I'd be shocked if it was done" before year's end, said Mr. Bruno, a Republican of Rensselaer County.

But his Gary Cooper aura - tall with gaunt good looks, extensive police experience and approachable manner - drew the county Republicans to his side.

Yeah, it's pretty unlikely this year," Mr. Bruno, a Republican of Rensselaer County, said in an interview.

Hege's management style as head of the Davidson County Republican Party sparked a rift that nearly split county Republicans.

The Senate majority leader, Joseph L. Bruno, a Republican of Rensselaer County, said he found the veto frustrating.

"I don't think it's productive to try," said the Senate majority leader, Joseph L. Bruno, Republican of Rensselaer County.