There will not be an upstate lawmaker in the race for the next state Assembly speaker. Rochester Democrat Joseph Morelle has dropped out of the contest. In a statement, Morelle says he will back heavily favored Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie. Heastie and Cathy Nolan of Queens appear to be the only candidates still in the running. An election is expected to be held on February 10th. Heastie has indicated that if he is elected speaker, he wants Morrelle to continue as majority leader.
