Doug Hoffman had nothing but praise for state assemblyman Will Barclay Monday, after Barclay announced he will not run for the 23rd Congressional District seat.

Hoffman and Barclay were rivals until Monday - Hoffman was the candidate conservatives nationwide rallied around in 2009, though he lost to Democrat Bill Owens in the 23rd.

Barclay is part of a powerful Republican family from Pulaski. He represents the 124th assembly district.

According to a report in the Syracuse Post-Standard, Barclay claims that he did not think it would be fair to leave his assembly jobduring the middle of his term to pursue the seat.

With Albany in financial and political turmoil, Barclay felt it necessary to remain at his post and continue to work on the state's problems.

In a statement, Barclay wrote that "in a different year, I could have and would have made a different decision."

"The Assemblyman is a dedicated public servant who understands that we must do everything possible to return fiscal sanity to the legislature in Albany and to Congress in Washington," Hoffman said in a satement.

"I believe his decision reflects his strong belief in good government that has inspired his family's dedication to public service. I look forward to working and campaigning with the Assemblyman in the months ahead as we work together to "grow" the Republican Party and return fiscal sanity to our state and our nation."

With Barclay out, that leaves three potential candidates left to face Owens.

Those candidates include Hoffman, businessman Matt Doheny and Franklin County Legislator Paul Maroun.

Barclay added that he would support whichever candidate the Republican party chose to run for the race.