The announcement that Michael Balboni (R-East Williston) will leave the Republican Senate majority for a post in the Spitzer administration sent pols in both parties scrambling to position themselves to replace him.
Less than two hours after the Balboni announcement, Nassau Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs said he'd already had "a handful" of people approach him about the seat. Insiders pointed to Nassau Legis. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington), North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel and Assemb. Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) - more commonly mentioned for state comptroller - as contenders for the Democratic nomination. Legis. Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) and Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell had their names mentioned for the Republican nod.
The 7th Senate District, which encompasses an area from Great Neck and Port Washington to Mineola and Elmont, has about 78,000 registered Democrats and about 72,000 Republicans, though more than one in five district voters are unaffiliated, according to state records.
"It's certainly no sure shot by any means, but we should have a fair shot," Jacobs said from a hotel in Mexico, where he is vacationing. "It's been a Republican seat but I think with the numbers that you see the Democrats have a fair shot of taking it."
Anthony Santino, spokesman for Joseph Mondello, chairman of the state and Nassau GOP, said Republicans are considering several candidates for the race. "We expect to have a decision in a couple days," he said. "We're going to run an aggressive race and keep the seat Republican."
Nassau Democratic Election Commissioner William Biamonte said an election to replace Balboni would likely take place in mid- to late-February.
