Syracuse lawyer Brianne Murphy, 31, is exploring the possibility of running on the Democratic line. The political newcomer has filed as a candidate with the FEC, allowing her to raise more than $25,000 through June 30.
Murphy said she will make a final decision on her candidacy by next month. The decision will not be affected by Maffei’s plans, she said.
"I am talking to people and getting a lot of feedback," Murphy said. "I will make a decision in the next couple of weeks. My decision will be based on my support here in the district."
Murphy said she has met with leaders of the DCCC and Onondaga County Democratic Committee, who told her they would remain neutral in any primary.
Vita DeMarchi, chairwoman of the county Democratic Committee, said Maffei will have "a lot of support" going into the election.
"I do know many people are positively looking toward Dan as a candidate to bring back the moderate independent voice in Congress," DeMarchi said.
DeMarchi said it is also important to have a strong congressional candidate as soon as possible to lobby officials in Albany during this year’s redistricting process.
Some Onondaga County Democrats have said privately that they would prefer to see someone new challenge Buerkle next fall. Maffei said he is aware of such "naysayers" and hopes to prove them wrong in the next 14 months.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/former_rep_dan_maffei_says_hes.html