Silver’s Tenure As Assembly Speaker To End

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Sheldon Silver's 21 years as the leader of the New York state Assembly are coming to a close.

The Manhattan Democrat will resign late Monday following his arrest on federal corruption charges. Silver had initially tried to hold on to power but on Friday his spokesman announced he would resign. Democratic lawmakers say they were prepared to oust him if he didn't step aside.

Majority Leader Joseph Morelle of Rochester will serve as acting speaker until Silver's successor is chosen. Assembly members Carl Heastie, the frontrunner, and Catherine Nolan are both candidates.

Silver was arrested Jan. 22 on charges that he took nearly $4 million in payoffs and kickbacks. Silver says he expects to be exonerated and plans to keep his Assembly seat.