Monday marked the close of the tumultuous scandal that came to be known as Weinergate, as former United States Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Forest Hills) submitted his official letter of resignation and began the process of cleaning out his offices as two giant blue recycling bins stood guard outside his District of Columbia office.
With Weiner's resignation effective midnight tomorrow, it will fall upon New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to call for a special election to fill the embattled congressman's seat. As the process unfolds, several contenders are speculated as having great interest in throwing their hats into the ring.
On the Democratic side, current City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (Glendale) could be considered an early favorite for selection by Queens county leadership, given her ties to Representative and Queens party Chairman Joseph Crowley (Jackson Heights), her cousin. Other potential candidates include City Council Member Mark Weprin (Bellerose), former Council Member Eric Gioia (Woodside), and Assembly Member Rory Lancman (Hillcrest).
As to the GOP, while it is unlikely the House majority party can view this seat as a potential pick-up, an anticipated small turnout in a special election mixed with voter disenchantment with state and federal democrats over the economy could give them an outside shot at a competitive race. It's questionable, though, if current office holders -- such as Council Member Eric Ulrich (Ozone Park) -- would be willing to take such a large risk.
The looming specter of redistricting in the wake of the 2010 US Census will also have a huge impact in the race. With New York State scheduled to lose two seats, and with two "safe" Democratic seats in neighboring areas (held by Crowley and Gary Ackerman, respectively), it's possible the seat formerly held by Weiner might be be eliminated althogether.
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