McHugh seat draws suitors

U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh's nomination as secretary of the Army was only hours old Tuesday when suitors began lining up to fill his still-warm seat in Congress.

Four of Mr. McHugh's fellow Republicans expressed interest in the seat: William A. Barclay and Dierdre K. Scozzafava, both serving in the state Assembly; Joseph A. Griffo, a state senator, and Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne.

Democrats Daniel J. French, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York who has local ties, and Michael P. Oot, a Munnsville attorney who lost a bid last year for Mr. McHugh's seat, also are interested.

"I really enjoy working in Albany, but there is a foreign policy dimension that my job here doesn't provide," said Ms. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur. "You look at the state of our nation, and the state, and you have to take into consideration what's happening on the world stage. That's not available in Albany. It's that type of policy exposure that I would like to play more of a role in."

Mr. Griffo lives one mile outside the congressional district in Rome, but represents Mr. McHugh's constituents in Lewis and Oneida counties in the state Senate.

"I enjoy my responsibilities in the Senate and enjoy representing my constituency," he said. But "it would be a disservice not to at least assess the situation and consider it."

Mr. Griffo said ultimately, he wanted his party to pick a candidate who would be "a strong advocate for the district and also bring new perspectives and ideas to confront the challenges that are facing us right now."

Mr. Barclay, R-Pulaski, said while he does have interest in the seat, "there's so much you have to consider. I want to make sure I have the support of the party and the support of my family."

Danny M. Francis, a Democrat who lost in a 1994 election to Mr. McHugh, said he also was interested, but was being practical about his chances.

"I don't think anyone is interested in me," said the Watertown resident, who also flirted with a run last year. "That was proven last time I was basically abandoned by my own party."

Robert G. Taub, Mr. McHugh's chief of staff, was floated as a potential candidate by the Washington Post and New York Daily News. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, appeared to be leaning against running. Andrew G. Mangione, the senator's communications director, said his boss was "committed" to his Senate work.

Mr. Mangione said, "There is a great deal of important work the senator is involved in this session."

State Sen. Elizabeth O'C. Little, R-Queensbury, said she's out. So are former state Sen. James W. Wright, who now leads the Development Authority of the North Country; Michael W. Schell, a Chaumont Democrat who is a top adviser on the Paterson for New York 2010 campaign, and Watertown Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham.

Robert J. Johnson, a Sackets Harbor thoracic surgeon who was bested twice by Mr. McHugh, in 2004 and 2006, said he's still deciding, as were Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Watertown City Councilman Jeffrey M. Smith.

"I haven't thought about it enough to say one way or another," said Mrs. Russell, D-Theresa. "But I do have a lot of things to consider, including that I'm expecting a baby this summer. I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes."

TIMING IS VITAL

It's still too early to tell how exactly the district will elect its new leader.

"The vacancy itself is the important part, not the nomination," said Robert A. Brehm, state Board of Elections spokesman. "Whenever Mr. McHugh chooses to vacate the office, that would trigger the decision. The governor then has the responsibility under the statute to consider a special (election)."

Gov. David A. Paterson is not required to call a special election, although he exercised that option when Kirsten D. Gillibrand left the 20th Congressional District in January. The special election would be held 30 to 40 days after the governor's call, although it could not be held during the Sept. 15 primary.

Provided Mr. McHugh is confirmed, the seat would be decided in the Nov. 3 general election if the governor did not intervene.

A special election would forestall a primary, allowing the district's 11 county chairpersons from each party to ostensibly choose their candidate.

Mark J. Bellardini, St. Lawrence Democratic Committee chairman, said state Democratic Committee Chairwoman June F. O'Neill scheduled a conference call with county chairpersons as soon as news broke Tuesday.

"I think there'll be some names put across the phone lines tonight," he said.

Rep. Steven Israel, who is the lead candidate recruiter for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said there are about six names circulating now.

"Ultimately, the decision will be for the local Democratic leaders," Mr. Israel said, adding he'll play a "consultative" role.

Those conversations would be less vital if the governor doesn't call a special election. If that happens, Mr. Brehm said, there's a "rare possibility" a primary could be held. Mr. McHugh would have to be confirmed and vacate his seat quickly, however. Mr. Brehm wouldn't speculate on a timeline, but the election calendar appears to allow candidates to claim primary ballot spots until July 25.

The U.S. Senate, which would hold confirmation hearings, traditionally recesses in the first week of August for one month.

"John is not likely to be confirmed for a month to six weeks," said Mr. Israel, a Long Island Democrat. "This is a long consultative process. There is plenty of time for the right candidate to emerge."

DEMOCRATS REALISTIC

Mr. Israel said his party's leaders are keeping "realistic" expectations about a seat they've never held.

Republicans have an enrollment advantage of 46,000 registered voters here.

But Democrats are gaining in enrollment statewide and, perhaps boosted by President Obama's popularity, held the 20th Congressional District in a special election earlier this year despite an even greater GOP enrollment edge — 70,000 — there. That race, won by Scott Murphy over James Tedisco, was to replace Mrs. Gillibrand, who was named to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Senate when Mrs. Clinton became secretary of state.

Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan publication that has become a standard-bearer for handicapping political races, moved the congressional district from "solid Republican" to "tossup" following Tuesday's news.

Even if Republicans hold the seat, they could have a tougher time holding it after 2010. That's when the state Legislature — now controlled by Democrats — will redraw election districts in a process every 10 years that is criticized as incumbents protecting their turf power.

"While it's a strong Republican district, we do know what's going on nationally. I wouldn't say we should be overconfident," said Samuel F. Villanti, Lewis County Republican Committee chairman.

Mr. Israel said the dilemma posed by redistricting is "thinking a little too far ahead."

"Both the Democrats and Republicans are going to be very aggressive about finding the ideal candidate who can get elected now and worry about the future in the future," he said.

Important issues in the district include the Fort Drum military base, protecting the northern border, agriculture and job growth.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.