With former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's endorsement, Republican Assemblyman Roy McDonald made it clear he's in the race for Bruno's seat - to win.

McDonald said, "What will it take to get jobs and a tax base? What will it take to keep our people in Saratoga and the Capital Region?"

McDonald talked about issues like fighting to lower property taxes.

He said, "We cannot allow anyone to be driven out of their homes. Period."

Assemblyman announces run for Bruno's Senate seat

The race to fill former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's seat heats up as an area assemblyman formally announces his campaign. Our Steve Ference reports on Roy McDonald's hopes and the battle Republicans are waging to retain their majority in the Senate.

Bruno said, "I want to just say I talked to our majority leader, Senator Skelos...I have to get used to saying that."

And he's making it clear he's not only hoping McDonald wins his seat, but that Republicans maintain their check on Democratic power by keeping their majority in the Senate.

Bruno said, "Of those 30 Democrats, think about this. Twenty-two of them are from New York City. Twenty-two out of 30. Do you know how you get elected majority leader?"

Bruno hinted if the Democrats win, power will shift away from upstate, even though the current Republican majority leader is from Long Island. And he warned against voting for anyone promising to change the world.

Bruno said, "The last guy I know who was going to change the world in New York, where the heck is he? I can't even remember his name. He was going to steamroll, intimidate, threaten..."

Bruno won't say exactly when he might step down, but he said before he does that, expect a major upstate economic announcement.

McDonald said, "I pledge I'll do the best I can."

As Republicans look to strategically roll out their initiatives across the state to give themselves the best chance they have in an election year where the national candidates could have an impact on the local races.