Assemblyman Joseph Morelle is poised to fill Sheldon Silver's shoes, at least temporarily, and if he wins the job on a permanent basis, he'd be the first upstate Democrat to serve as speaker of the state Assembly in more a century. NY1's Bobby Cuza takes a closer look at the Rochester-area lawmaker.
Until recently, Joseph Morelle was so unknown in New York City, newscasters had to learn how to pronounce his name. Then, last week, he spoke on behalf of Assembly Democrats in declaring allegiance to Sheldon Silver.
"I'm continuing to support the speaker," he said.
In fact, Morelle has been second-in-command in the Assembly for two years. With the speaker's position long occupied by a city lawmaker, the majority leader post has traditionally gone to an upstate member. Geography could now work against Morelle in seeking the speakership, though, as a majority of Assembly Democrats are from the city, though he remains hopeful.
"I have many colleagues in New York City who have indicated their support and have said that they don't see that as a hindrace," Morelle said. "I think what they mayor said the other day is fair, which is, he didn't say it had to be from the city, and I've known the mayor for many years, but what he did say is, we want someone who's going to be fair to the city."
Morelle has the advantage of now serving as the body’s de facto leader. It doesn't hurt that he's a prolific fundraiser, bringing in more money last election cycle than any other Assembly candidate despite running unopposed. He's considered popular among colleagues, and he's promising more input from members.
"Part of what happened - and the speaker is a friend, and I think did an amazing job for advancing the progressive agenda - but I think when you've been there that long, you tend to rely on your own judgment exclusively," Morelle said.
Compared to the staunchly liberal Silver, Morelle is considered more centrist and business-friendly. He’s backed attempts to reform the state’s scaffold law, a move long sought by the real estate and construction industry, and he's prime sponsor of a bill to legalize mixed martial arts in New York, a measure Silver has blocked. He’s also close to Governor Andrew Cuomo, having backed his first bid for governor back in 2002.
"I think it would be wrong, however, to assume that because I have a long relationship with the governor, and we have mutual respect for one another, that I will not be able to act independently, because I will," Morelle said.