U.S. Rep. James Walsh announced he would retire from Congress Thursday, sparking tributes to his service and speculation about the upcoming 25th District race.

“To the people of central and western New York, I thank you for putting your faith in me over and over again,” the Republican said in a press release. “It has been an awesome privilege to serve you, to fight for you and to represent you in our nation's capitol.”

Walsh, a former Syracuse City Councilor, was first elected to the 25th Congressional District seat in 1988. He narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Dan Maffei in the 2006 election to earn his current term, which expires at the end of this year.

The announcement he will not seek an 11th term came as a surprise to leading Cayuga County Republicans. Party Chairwoman Cherl Heary recognized the

federal funding Walsh delivered and hard work he invested in representing the district.

“He has been a very accessible congressman that has always been there if we had concern,” Heary said.

The 25th Congressional District includes the Syracuse metropolitan area, Wayne County and northern Cayuga County. Auburn was included in the district until 2002 when it was absorbed into the 24th Congressional District currently represented by Michael Arcuri, D-Utica.

“My first thought is that it won't be anytime soon that we'll have some of the influence that he's walking away with,” said county Legislator and former Legislature Chairman George Fearon, R-Springport. “It's not just the seniority, but the respect.”

State Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, issued a statement applauding Walsh's efforts over the past two decades.

“It has always been a pleasure to work with him; he was our go-to guy in Washington and was very successful in securing financial assistance for a number of important local projects,” Nozzolio said. “His service and dedication will be greatly missed.”

As a longtime member of the House Appropriations Committee, Walsh brought roughly $1 billion for economic development and other activities to improve quality of life in western and central New York, his press release said.

Despite disagreement on several issues big and small, county Conservative Party Chairman Greg Rigby recognized Walsh's character.

“Congressman Walsh in my opinion is a man of great integrity,” he said. “We don't always agree on the issues, but in my mind he has a lot of integrity.”

Walsh angered many Conservatives and Republicans when he did not support President George Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq. The Monroe, Wayne and Cayuga County Conservative committees did not plan to endorse Walsh in the upcoming election, Rigby said.

The congressman did find common ground with Conservative views against abortion and for traditional marriage.

“In many ways, he supports traditional family values and does the right thing,” Rigby said.

County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Kate Lacey said Walsh's announcement was the right decision to make given his performance last election.

“I think he got a dose of what people really wanted in a representative last year and he knows he had a tough campaign ahead,” Lacey said. “I respect the amount that he's done to contribute with his seniority in Congress, but when you're out of step, you're out of step.”

The race for the 25th Congressional District seat could go anywhere at this point. Maffei has essentially been preparing for 2008 since his defeat last election cycle.

“I think that it'll be interesting because maybe now some people that wouldn't have run against Jim Walsh might come out,” Heary said, noting she hadn't heard any names mentioned this early.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net