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Morelle Pulls Out Of Speaker Race

Rep. Joe Morelle (Democrat) represents New York state's 25th district.
Rep. Joe Morelle (Democrat) represents New York state's 25th district.

Assembly Majority Joe Morelle is pulling out of the race to succeed Sheldon Silver as Speaker.

His announcement late this morning came after more of the other contenders for that seat dropped out and said they would back Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie.

Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, a longtime legislator from Brooklyn,dropped his candidacy on Thursday.

Assemblyman Keith Wright of Manhattan withdrew Wednesday. 

The two remaining candidates were Morelle, a Democratic Assemblyman from Irondequoit, and Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan of Queens. 

They had hoped to replace Speaker Sheldon Silver, now facing federal charges he took kickbacks for a decade. 

All are Democrats. Party members collectively have a two-thirds majority in the chamber. 

The Democratic conference agreed earlier this week to replace Silver as speaker, with Morelle as acting speaker until they elect a replacement on Feb. 10.  

But Morelle on Friday released this statement:

Over the past several days Assemblyman Heastie and I have discussed at length how to advance the best interests of the citizens of our state by making the New York Assembly more inclusive and member-driven.  Carl and I have served together and have been close friends for 15 years.  I have the utmost confidence in his ability to unite our members and move the institution forward.  He will have my full support.

I am incredibly grateful to the members of our conference for their ongoing friendship and support throughout this process. United and working together we continue to address the pressing challenges facing New York.  It is this commitment that will guide our work over the coming year and inspire us to even greater heights.”

Carl Heastie asked Morelle to stay on as Majority Leader if Heastie gets named speaker:

"I have been proud to call Joe Morelle a friend for many years and I am honored to have his support to become the next Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Over the past week, he and I have spoken daily about our shared commitment to restoring the integrity of the State Assembly, an institution we both care about greatly. In the days and months ahead, I will continue to rely on his counsel. I have asked Joe to remain as the Majority Leader and to play a greater role in that capacity. Joe and I, along with our very talented colleagues in the Democratic conference, will work hard every day to build consensus, enact meaningful new reforms, and create opportunity for all New Yorkers. We look forward to starting a new chapter for the New York State Assembly and the people we all serve." 

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.