Assembly’s No. 2 weighs Congress run, could reshape chamber

ALBANY — Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle on Wednesday said he will consider a run for the congressional seat of the late Rep. Louise Slaughter in the Rochester area, which could set off a scramble for the No. 2 position in the Assembly.

“I have not shut the door,” Morelle said. “I really need the weekend to talk to people. I owe it to people who have called . . . and have raised it with me. Obviously I owe them the opportunity to make a case, so over the next couple of days, I have to make a decision.”

He said this week is devoted to honoring Slaughter, 88, for her pioneering work in Congress since 1987 as a progressive Democrat. She died Friday following a fall. Morelle also said family considerations will play a big role in his decision.

If Morelle should go to Washington, a rare top job in the Assembly would open up that could rearrange important committee chairmanships and other leadership positions. Traditionally, the Assembly — dominated by New York City Democrats — has chosen speakers from the city and countered that with a veteran upstate majority leader.

By Michael Gormley

michael.gormley@newsday.com@GormleyAlbany

Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.