FRANKLYWNOW - The Fate of Sheldon Silver's Position As Assembly Speaker

Many of the state officials on hand Wednesday at Binghamton University shared their opinions on what should be the fate of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

He's currently under Federal Indictment for corruption charges. Democrats in the assembly informed Silver Tuesday night he no longer had their support and that they would elect a new leader. That election is scheduled for February 10th. Until then Rochester Assemblyman and Majority Leader Joe Morelle will serve as acting Speaker starting on Monday.

"We spent many, many hours coming up with an open process that would basically force every person interested in being the Speaker to come to us with their plan, their ideas, and we'll take a vote. We need 76 votes to support somebody. I'm hoping and all of us are hoping for the best person," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-123rd District).

"Whoever is going to be selected is going to have to work with the Governor. Our highest priority is going to be getting an on-time budget April 1st," said Lt. Governor Cathy Hochul.

A number of candidates, including many from the New York City area have expressed an interest in running for Speaker.