As first reported by Channel 7, the superintendent at the Dulles State Office Building has been fired, opening up a potential political patronage gig.

David Steyer has been active in Democratic causes for years — he managed the successful campaign of Sheriff John Burns. His wife, a Democratic Party committeewoman, managed Mayor Jeff Graham's campaign. The two were named "Democrats of the Year" in 2005.

Then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer appointed Mr. Steyer to his now-former position.

Why was he fire? Who's going to take over? And why was he fired a year before he was ready to quit his job?

Questions that are sure to be answered at some point — but it's a bit early yet for bald speculation. It's up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to appoint a replacement.

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