Tish seen leading to fill AG spot

CUOMO DEFENDS DECISION

ALBANY — In the wake of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s sudden resignation, the Assembly on Wednesday announced a committee to review potential candidates to fill the position, but the Senate Republicans are not participating.

Many lawmakers say city Public Advocate Letitia James goes into the process as the favorite, though a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and other sources deny reports she has it locked up.

“There’s no truth to it,” said Heastie spokesman Michael Whyland.

James dodged questions about the position for a second straight day Wednesday, but City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said he believes she’s interested.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-Putnam County) is said to be mounting an aggressive behind-the-scenes effort for the post. And those close to former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara have also dipped their toes in on his behalf, though it’s not clear how serious that is, Assembly sources said.

State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Nassau County) are also among the potential candidates.

Schneiderman resigned Tuesday in the wake of a New Yorker story in which he was accused of abusing four women. State Solicitor General Barbara Underwood was elevated to acting attorney general.

By law, the Legislature is required to fill the vacancy. The Assembly-created panel is accepting applications and will conduct interviews on May 15 and 16.

A week later, the state Democratic and Republican parties will hold their nominating conventions. Gov. Cuomo has said the parties would not be bound by whoever the Legislature might select to serve out Schneiderman’s term that expires at the end of the year.