Now that Vito Fossella formally withdrew his re-election bid for the 13th congressional district – more interesting than who’s likely to be the next contender, is who won’t be.

Speculation is swirling, in and around the Brooklyn Democratic party, that Domenic Recchia will not seek the 13 district seat this fall after all.

For months, rumor has run rampant that Recchia (who does not live in the 13th district) was being used by state GOP operatives to spoil, or severely weaken, Steve Harrison’s bid for the seat by threatening a protracted and costly primary battle.

Meanwhile, watchdogs eye campaign contributions to Recchia’s war-chest from such firms as Greenberg Traurig LLP PAC, a well established outfit linked to convicted former Republican super-lobbyist, Jack Abrimoff.

Harrison, who came within 14 points of Fossella just 2 years ago (the closest any Brooklyn democrat has come in almost 35 years) also picked up the endorsement of the Staten Island Democratic Association by a 42–6 on Feb. 19; and was seen as the most formidable opponent to Fossella in ’08.

Less than a week after Fossella walks away from his re-election bid, those inside the local and state democratic party find the timing of Recchia’s pullback more than a coincidence; especially since he’s sitting on over 300K in campaign money, and just received a split confidence vote last week — 25/25 — from Brooklyn Democrats for Change, here in Bay Ridge.

Recchia, elected to the NYC Council in 2001, represents the 43rd council district which includes: Coney Island, Gravesend, Sea Gate sections of Brooklyn.

Had Recchia decided to run for the 13th congressional seat, he would’ve needed to take up residency inside the Bay Ridge/Staten Island district.

Republican Dan Donovan, Staten Island D.A. for Richmond County, who so far seems to be the favorite of the state GOP leadership, despite talk, will likely not run for the 13th district seat, either.

GOP insiders believe that Donovan, who won a decided victory for the Richmond County DA office with over 68% of the vote less than 6 months ago, is not likely to throw that away to run for a new office.