NEW YORK—Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s arrest for corruption throws a wrench into the Albany legislature. Democratic leaders may be vying for his position, but as a political powerhouse, Silver’s shoes will be hard to fill, say experts.
One of the influential “three men in a room,” which included Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the Senate majority leader, Dean Skelos, Silver could now be facing 100 years in prison for kickbacks and bribes.
He may be one of several high-profile politicians that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara is investigating for corruption, as he indicated Thursday with the ominous warning, “Stay tuned.” And there could be more arrests to come.
With the loss of Silver, Albany may be in turmoil.
Under state law, if Silver is convicted, he would lose the speakership and be expelled from the assembly. And while his case is pending, Silver would be preoccupied defending himself.
“It will be difficult for him to command the respect of the members and provide the attention to the responsibilities as a speaker while he is working on his criminal defense,” said Robert Straniere, a lawyer and former Republican Staten Island Assemblyman.
Power Vacuum
Formerly, Sheldon Silver had been a force to contend with. “Nothing happens in the legislature that Shelly doesn’t agree to,” said Straniere.
But the scandal has created a power vacuum in Albany, according to Jeanne Zaino, a political science professor at Iona College, leaving an opportunity for those eager to become speaker.
“It could happen quietly. But there’s certainly going to be some jockeying for power,” said Zaino.
Although many Democrats have expressed hope for Silver’s innocence, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, there are several names being tossed around for a replacement speaker.
Some think Keith L.T. Wright, an assemblyman who represents Harlem, could become speaker, or perhaps the Bronx Democratic boss, Carl Heastie. Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, who represents the Rochester area, was also a potential candidate.
