Lawmakers are scrambling to find someone to replace former New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who resigned earlier this week amid allegations that he physically abused women.
Politico reported Friday morning that New York City Public Advocate Tish James is one of the leading candidates to serve as the state's AG, while others who could be in contention include three New York members of the House.
In the meantime, Barbara Underwood — who has served as the state's solicitor general since 2007 — is filling in the void on an interim basis.
According to Politico, state officials are expected to decide in the coming days who they will nominate to serve as attorney general. James, the news outlet reported, has begun to reach out to lawmakers to lobby for the role.
James is also African-American, which some insiders said could make her a good fit for the job because Gov. Andrew Cuomo would like to diversify his state government.
"His priority will be to diversify the slate of state electeds, so he would very much like [James to serve as AG]," a Democratic strategist told Politico. "He's been concerned about having a slate of white men. This would very much solve that. They get along well, I could see them campaigning together and it would solve a lot of issues for him."
Cuomo appointed a special prosecutor to investigate abuse claims leveled at Schneiderman. Multiple women have come forward to say he was physically abusive with them on dates and during intimate relationships.
Schneiderman had taken a strong stance against the abuse of women, including allegations that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein committed acts of sexual assault and harassment over the years. A New York state investigation into those allegations will continue without Schneiderman.
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