Gov. Cuomo Sets September 13 Special Election for Weiner Seat

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set a special election for Sept. 13 to replace former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-New York, in Congress. The date coincides with state primaries, and six vacant seats in the state assembly are also up for grabs.

Weiner resigned in June after admitting to sending lewd messages and photos to six women over the last three years, and (initially) lying about it.

The special election date means Democratic and Republican Party leaders will pick their nominees for New York's 9^th District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Though the seat is widely considered to go Democratic, it is in a relatively conservative district. So, if the Democrats don't play their cards properly, the seat can potentially fall into Republican hands. Republican City Councilman Eric Ulrich and former Republican candidate Bob Turner are said to be eyeing the seat.

Possible candidates thus far include City Councilman Mark Weprin; his brother, State Assemblyman David Weprin; Councilwoman and Crowley's cousin Elizabeth Crowley, former Council Members Eric Gioia and Melinda Katz; and Assemblyman Rory Lancman.

The winner would serve the remainder of Weiner's term through January 2013.