Breaking: Sen. Little eyes Gillibrand seat

Various sources, speaking on background, confirm to NCPR that Sen. Betty Little has been consulting with county GOP chairs about seeking Kirsten Gillibrand’s congressional seat.

Little’s spokeperson declined to comment today.

According to the Albany Times Union, a lot of Republicans are lining up to contend for the seat. They include: “John Faso, who has been keeping close tabs on Gillibrand and even Assembly Republican Minority Leader Jim Tedisco, although he doen’t live in the district.”

Sen. Little would be a strong candidate for the chance to retake this traditional GOP stronghold.

She’s moderate — a big plus in the Hudson Valley — and she would poll huge numbers across northern New York. Also, she’s a woman – the highest ranking Republican woman in the state.

The musical chairs would also include an eventual race for Little’s seat, with Assemblywoman Janet Duprey from Plattsburgh and Teresa Sayward from Willsboro likely candidates.

A reminder: None of this happens unless Governor Paterson picks Gillibrand.

More soon.