Replacing Eric Schneiderman: what's the process?

It could be November before we know who will replace now disgraced Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Barbara Underwood's tenure as N.Y.S. Attorney General is anyone's guess. The state Legislature could appoint her or someone else interim A.G. That person would still have to run for election in November.

There are some local names being floated. They include Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and Buffalo Attorney Leecia Eve. Electing a western New Yorker to the position is entirely possible.

No one knows that better than Dennis Vacco. The Buffalo born attorney was elected A.G. in 1994. When reached by phone on Tuesday, he said the race is wide open following Schneiderman’s resignation. “It's an opportunity for individuals on both sides of the political aisle because now all of the sudden there's an open race for the office of A.G.”

Vacco said he'll be staying out of this race. As for the other possible candidates, we’re told Eve is interested. In a statement, Poloncarz said he's interested in selecting a person of integrity rather than an Albany insider. There’s still no word whether Hochul wants the job.

As for Schneiderman, he’s still eligible for his pension. Read more here.