Is it irresponsible to speculate about who might replace Alan Hevesi if he is forced to resign after being re-elected?
Sure, but let’s do it anyway.
Based on the last time a Comptroller quit, the next one will be picked by 2 men – the Governor & Assembly Speaker.
Who they pick will serve in the job for the rest of Hevesi’s term until the end of 2010.
Assuming the next Governor is Eliot Spitzer and Shelly Silver is still the Speaker and assuming they will pick someone with some qualifications for the job, would be a good candidate to run for re-election and is someone they both get along with, here are some potential candidates I came up. I also assumed that ethnic, gender & geographic considerations would be considered. I’ve added some comments where I think it’s appropriate.
Carl McCall – The equivalent of New Jersey Democrats bringing back Frank Lautenberg.
Bill Thompson
Freddie Ferrer
Andy Spano – Westchester County Executive. Ran for Comptroller in 1986.
Michael Breslin – Albany County Executive.
Neil Breslin – Michael Breslin’s brother and ranking Democrat on State Senate Finance Committee.
David Weprin – Chair of City Council Finance Committee. Former Deputy Banking Commissioner. His bother Mark is close to both Spitzer & Silver.
Denise O’Donnell
Bill Mulrow – Close adviser to Spitzer. Ran against Hevesi 4 years ago. Strong union support.
Michael Carey – Son of former Governor. Former President of NYC Economic Development Corporation. Advisor to Spitzer.
Shelly Silver – Former Chair of Assembly Ways & Means Committee. Giving him the job would be a neat way for Spitzer to put his own person in charge of the Assembly.
That’s my first cut. I’m sure I’m leaving lots of potential choices out. I invite all to join in the speculation.
Oh, one more thing.
There’s one candidate I left out who would be ideal if he didn’t miss out on one of the qualifications I listed above – Tom Suozzi.