With Rep. John McHugh expected to be the new Secretary of the Army, who will be the next Congressman for the North Country?
The question may be largely moot, as McHugh's 23rd district may not exist after 2012, political observers say.
The 23rd is expected to be a target for elimination during redistricting in 2012 following the 2010 census.
That's particularly true if the Democratic party retains power in Albany, as it will control the redistricting process.
Assuming there is a strongly contested race, no obvious candidates come to the fore for either party, said Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham.
"The district is so spread out - there's no center of gravity," Graham said. That makes it hard for any one candidate to have the kind of name recognition that McHugh currently has, Graham said.
"From the Democrats' point of view, they may let it go, knowing they'll get it anyway in two or three years," Graham said.
On the other hand, the special election could produce another nail-biter similar to the special election in 2008 following the resignation of State Senator Jim Wright. See link to blogger at right.
