Sweeney won't be Assembly majority leader
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) considered Assemb. Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) for majority leader. (June 28, 2012) Credit: James Escher
ALBANY -- Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver selected an upstate Democrat for the second-most-powerful position in the chamber, bypassing Long Island Assemb. Robert Sweeney.
Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) was one of the top veteran lawmakers Silver had considered for the post of majority leader. Instead, Silver chose Assemb. Joe Morelle (D-Rochester).
The majority leader runs the Assembly floor for Silver, marshaling bills and votes on key issues, and monitoring the pulse of rank-and-file Democrats. The post was vacated by Assemb. Ron Canestrari (D-Cohoes), who didn't run for re-election.
Typically, with a New York City lawmaker serving as speaker, the majority leader post goes to an upstate lawmaker for geographic balance -- which pointed to Morelle, long considered the favorite among some Capitol insiders. Silver praised Morelle's "proven leadership" in his announcement.
Heuermann admits to being Gilgo serial killer ... Victims' families react to guilty plea ... Suffolk DA promises families closure ... Building the LIE
Heuermann admits to being Gilgo serial killer ... Victims' families react to guilty plea ... Suffolk DA promises families closure ... Building the LIE
