Confusion reigns over picks for AG, controller as convention looms

ALBANY — New York Republicans, who haven’t won a statewide race since 2002, were still unsettled as of Sunday evening over who they will nominate for two key positions at their convention this week. Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro will be the candidate for governor and former Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian (photos inset) is his running mate. But the party was still waiting to hear Sunday whether John Cahill, a former top official in ex-Gov. George Pataki’s administration, will run for attorney general after two-term incumbent Democrat Eric Schneiderman recently resigned in disgrace.

There has also been been growing backlash among Republican county chairmen against Jonathan Trichter, a registered Democrat who had been seen as the likely GOP candidate for state controller. Several GOPers complained he’s done little until recently to push his candidacy since announcing his run.

“I don’t really envision Trichter being the nominee,” one prominent GOP county leader said.

If Cahill, who lost to Schneiderman in 2014, decides to run, he is virtually guaranteed the nomination at the state party convention set to be held in New York City on Wednesday and Thursday. If he doesn’t, the party will have to decide between lawyer Keith Wofford, a partner at Ropes & Gray, corporate lawyer Manny Alicandro or Rockland County Attorney Thomas Humbach.

“Obviously Schneiderman’s resignation was a surprise, but the party is excited by the opportunity it has presented,” said state GOP spokeswoman Jessica Proud.

Cahill’s decision could also have a domino effect. Republican insiders say if he runs, Alicandro could shift from the attorney general’s race to the controller’s contest. Another controller possibility mentioned is J.G. Collins, managing director of the Stuyvesant Square Consultancy.

But swapping out Trichter could set up an ugly showdown with the small but influential state Conservative Party.

While Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long likes Cahill and Alicandro for attorney general, he called Trichter the most qualified candidate for controller. He said his party would likely stick with Trichter even if it means splitting the vote with a separate Republican candidate. A Republican has not won statewide without Conservative Party backing since 1974.

lll President Trump’s expected appearance in Nassau County on Wednesday, on the same day state Democrats begin their nominating convention nearby at Hofstra University, hardly has the Dems concerned.

“We couldn’t have scripted this better,” said Gov. Cuomo campaign spokeswoman Abbey Fashouer. “This is a reminder of who the real threat is and why we all need to be standing together.”

lll Some past supporters of Fordham Law Prof. Zephyr Teachout, who lost to Gov. Cuomo four years ago in the Democratic primary, are urging that she not run a primary race for attorney general this year against city Public Advocate Letitia James.

“It looks terrible,” said one Teachout backer. “A) She is going to lose and B) she’s going to run against the first black woman ever to run for attorney general. It’s not a good visual.”

Teachout, who couldn’t be reached for comment, has said she is seriously considering a run, but hasn’t made up her mind. She did file the 10 signatures needed to get nominated at the Democratic convention.

lll Cynthia Nixon’s gubernatorial campaign is beefing up its communication staff, hiring Lauren Hitt as its chief spokeswoman.

Hitt served as Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s communications director and worked for Democrat Randy Bryce, who is seeking the seat of retiring Republican House Speaker

Paul Ryan in Wisconsin.