County Legislator Kathy Konst of Lancaster said Wednesday she expects to join the Democratic field to succeed Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds in Washington, setting up a suddenly crowded four-way contest.

Konst, serving her second term in County Hall, surprised just about everyone observing the 26th District race by joining it just before designating petitions begin circulating next week. But she is ready to commit at least $100,000 of family funds to the primary and thinks her independent reputation combined with governmental and business experience could prove a winning combination.

She added said she plans to officially announce her bid next week.

“I’m beyond the exploration stage of this,” she said. “I’ll be making the decision shortly.”

Konst now joins a Democratic field that includes Jack Davis of Clarence, who has promised to spend $3 million of his own money on his third campaign for the seat; Jonathan

P. Powers of Clarence, an Iraq War veteran and former substitute teacher who has the Democratic endorsement; and Alice J. Kryzan, an Amherst attorney.

Konst’s entry could blunt some of the hopes of Kryzan, who is planning a grand opening of her Williamsville campaign office today and who was expected to be the only woman in the race.

On the Republican side, former businessman Christopher

J. Lee has been endorsed by party leaders, though another Iraq War veteran, David Bellavia, officially remains in the race. Talk continues among Republicans, however, of a possible Bellavia challenge to Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-Fairport.

Konst said she plans to stress her political experience, despite the anti-politician attitude that swept Chris Collins into the county executive’s office last year and that marks most other candidates in the congressional race.

“From my perspective, people have been very positive about what I bring to the position,” she said. “I am not beholden to any special interests, and I am independent.”

Indeed, Konst has carved out a reputation as independent of Democratic Headquarters, often clashing with Erie County Democratic Chairman Leonard R. Lenihan. She handily defeated her GOP opponent in 2007 after losing two previous attempts at capturing a seat in the County Legislature.

She also said she does not expect her late entry to prove detrimental, since she believes she is well known in her home turf of Lancaster and the Erie County portion of the district.

Konst is a graduate of the University of Arizona, has been active in several charitable organizations and is president and CEO of the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Buffalo News