Who wants to be AG of N.Y.?

Long Island Business News, May 27, 2009 by David Reich-Hale

Would-be successors are starting to jockey for position in the event that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo does what the political establishment expects him to do: Run for governor.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, who ran for statewide office in 2006 but lost a Democratic gubernatorial primary to Eliot Spitzer, is this region's best hope to get a Long Islander into the AG's office. But Suozzi, according to multiple sources, is still unsure if that's the job he really wants.

"It should be," said one Democratic insider. "And it's a great stepping stone. I think he will do it."

To Suozzi's credit, he's publicly remained focused on the 2009 elections, where the Democrats will be in a pitched battle for the county Legislature. Suozzi also faces re-election himself, though most expect him to win that race.

Because the attorney general's office has quickly become a stepping stone to the governor's mansion, Suozzi wouldn't sail through a primary. Multiple Democrats are ready to pounce if Cuomo makes the move.

According to the New York Times, insurance superintendent Eric Dinallo - a holdover from the Spitzer machine - and Denise O'Donnell, Gov. Paterson's top criminal justice official, are both pondering a run. Neither would have big-name status.

Assemblyman Michael Gianaris of Astoria, Queens and Assemblyman Richard Brodsky of Westchester are also considered to be serious candidates. Gianaris considered a run four years ago and became a media darling in 2006, when he became the go-to quote during the Con Ed blackout in his district.

The New York Times also mentioned state Sen. Eric T. Schneiderman as a possible candidate.