Former Rep. Christopher Lee (R-NY 26th)
BUFFALO, NY (WGRZ) -- Erie County Democrat Chairman Len Lenihan says Democratic National Committee members are in Western New York looking at specifics of the 26th congressional district to see if investing in a candidate would be a good idea.
Lenihan says Democrats are aware that the district is heavily Republican and are weighing their options about the reality of winning the seat.
"It's a tough district but tough doesn't mean you don't do it..." says Lenihan.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Steve Israel told Roll Call newspaper out of Washington, D.C. Friday that the district is "very difficult".
As soon as former Congressman Chris Lee resigned from his Congressional seat, Erie County Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy says the search for his replacement started right away.
"We're looking for someone that can represent the interest of the whole district. So, someone that is a good listener. Someone that has you know the education and the background to do a great job for the citizens."
Langworthy met with other WNY Republican leaders on Sunday to discuss the steps they need to take to screen and interview possible candidates. Jane Corwin's name has been mentioned as a possible front runner. Langworthy tells us others are interested as well.
"We have people from the private sector. Jack Davis who's run for Congress before as a Democrat, who is now a Republican is going to seek the nomination. We have businessman Dan Humiston. Chris Jacobs has expressed interest in the seat."
Langworthy says the candidates will go through a screening process this week. He's among the group that will be hosting the formal interviews beginning next Sunday. The vetting process will include questions going deep into the lives of these potential leaders to avoid a situation similar to Lee's.
"You know we can't necessarily use kid gloves with people," says Langworthy. "We have to know what's in everyone's background and we will know these candidates very well before we make a decision."
All eyes including Langworthy's are on Governor Cuomo for the next step.
"We will really call upon the Governor to call this special election as soon as humanly possible because the residents of Western New York drastically deserve someone walking the halls of Congress on our behalf."
The chairman believes the special election could take place in April or May. The cost to just Erie County taxpayers alone, somewhere around $100,000.
Calls to Governor Andrew Cuomo's office about when he'll declare the seat vacant, were not returned.
Click on the video link above to see Marissa Bailey's report.
WGRZ-TV