The list of possible Democratic candidates for New York’s 29th district open seat narrowed Thursday.

Assemblyman David Koon (D) announced Thursday morning he was withdrawing his name from consideration for the contest to succeed former Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y), citing his work in the state Legislature.

“We have a budget crisis on our hands and I have pledged to my constituents that I will represent them during these crucial negotiations,” Koon said in a statement.

Koon was among six Democrats interviewed by the district’s Democratic county party chairmen on March 29.

Local 13 WHAM News also reported that another interviewee, Mary Wilmot, an aide to New York Gov. David Paterson (D), intends to pull out.

That would leave Democrats with a pool that includes former Allegany County District Legislator Michael McCormick, 2008 Congressional candidate and businessman David Nachbar, teacher David Rose and district native Matthew Zeller. None has inspired particular enthusiasm. Democrats say more potential candidates could emerge.

Republicans have already settled on former Corning Mayor Tom Reed as their candidate and are agitating for a prompt special election to fill the seat left vacant when Massa resigned in March. But Paterson, who is responsible for calling a special election, has indicated he is considering holding off until the regularly scheduled primary elections are held on Sept. 14.