ALBANY—Republican county chairs moved quickly to nominate Jim Tedisco to run for Kirsten Gillibrand's seat, but Democrats are taking their time finding a candidate who will face tough odds.
According to Tom Wade, chairman of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee, four candidates were interviewed last night by phone, and cut. In-person interviews of six remaining candidates will take place Sunday, likely in Albany.
Those candidates: labor activist Suzy Ballantyne, attorney Carol Schrager, venture capitalist Scott Murphy, former anchorwoman Tracy Egan, Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim and Assemblyman Tim Gordon.
Long Island Representative Steve Israel, who has been in charge of northeast recruiting for the DCCC, was in the Albany area last night.
According to one source, he met with Gordon, but it's important to note there may be some pressure on the 10 county chairs who decide the party's nominee to give the nod to a woman.
David Paterson has not yet set a date for the special election.
