Matthew Hamilton reports in Capitol Confidential that many possible candidates are considering, or have been contacted about the empty assembly seats vacated recently by Pete Lopez and Steve McLaughlin. Lopez gave up his 102nd district for a job as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new Region 2 administrator. McLaughlin left the 107th district seat when he was elected in November as Rensselaer County Executive. In the 107th district, which covers part of Columbia County and most or Rensselaer County, Hamilton reports that Republican Kandi Terry, a former Senate staffer who lives in East Greenbush and works as a regulatory and government affairs manager for Just Energy, is considering running and has spoken with district political leaders. Rensselaer County Legislator Cynthia Doran of Troy, a Democrat, reports people have asked her about running but she has yet to decide. Michael Hickey, a Hoosick Falls resident working on water contamination issues in the village, and former Troy City Council President Rodney Wiltshire, both Democrats, are also considering the election. In the 102nd district, which covers seven-counties including Schoharie, Albany, Greene, and a small bit of Columbia County, Town of Schoharie Supervisor and county GOP Chairman Chris Tague and former Ulster County Legislature candidate Santos Lopez both want to win the nomination. Albany County Democratic Chairman Jack Flynn said county chairs plan to meet potential candidates next week, and they would pick someone after that. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has yet to announce a special election to fill either seat, or the seven other open assembly seats and two state senate positions. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.