Conversation so far:
Did Vito Fossella run in the 2008 election for New York's 13th Congressional District?
On May 20, 2008, Vito Fossella dropped out of the race.
What did Vito Fossella do instead of run in the 2008 election for New York's 13th Congressional District?
What happened next with the 2008 election for New York's 13th Congressional District after Vito Fossella dropped out on May 20?
On May 28, the Staten Island Democratic Party endorsed City Councilman Michael E. McMahon for the Democratic nomination.
Who was running to be elected in the 2008 election for New York's 13th Congressional District?
On the Republican side, several prominent elected officials considered running but decided against it.

Question: What was going on with the Republican side?
Self-contained rewrite: What was going on with the Republican side of the 2008 election for New York's 13th Congressional District?