This year, a battle is looming for Albany mayor with at least three Democrats eyeing a run against Jerry Jennings. Here's a look at the top contenders:





GERALD D. JENNINGS


The incumbent, nearing the end of his fourth term.


AGE: 60


POLITICAL HISTORY: Elected in 1994


STRENGTHS: He's got the power, patronage, money and campaign structure. He's boosted downtown and launched renovation projects in neighborhoods such as the South End and Park South.


WEAKNESSES: The shooting deaths of a 10-year-old girl and a University at Albany student increased fear of crime. It took him more than a dozen years to make blight a major focus.


LIKELIHOOD TO RUN: As sure as the man is tan.


SHAWN MORRIS


Common Council President


AGE: 51 (she will turn 52 on Jan. 13.)


POLITICAL HISTORY: Elected to represent the Seventh Ward in 1993. Elected president in 2005.


STRENGTHS: Articulate, personable and willing to sharply question the mayor.


WEAKNESSES: She can vote only to break a tie. She hasn't used the bully pulpit much, and can she raise the money?


LIKELIHOOD TO RUN: Very.





COREY ELLIS


Council member, Third Ward


AGE: 38


POLITICAL HISTORY: Elected to council in 2001


STRENGTHS: Fought to reduce blight and make government more accountable. Won his seat by defeating a Jennings ally.


WEAKNESSES: Completing his first term, so a leap to mayor is a big step in a short time.


LIKELIHOOD TO RUN: Strong.





DOMINICK CALSOLARO


Council member, First Ward


AGE: 53


POLITICAL HISTORY: Elected in 2001


STRENGTHS: Championed the Gun Violence Task Force and an advocate of fiscal restraint.


WEAKNESSES: He's rumpled, gruff and sometimes talks to his shirt collar. Fans find it part of his charm, but would the general public?


LIKELIHOOD TO RUN: 50/50. He has said he would unite behind one Jennings opponent.





OTHERS


Alice Green, who ran in 2005 on the Green Party line, said she won't run. Assemblyman Jack McEneny, D-Albany, who lost a primary to Jennings in 1997, says he's happy doing what he does now but never closes out any option.


Republicans, who have 3,487 enrolled voters, compared to the Democrats' 38,862, are not yet ready to drop names. "Maybe we'll run Jerry Jennings if Shawn Morris beats him on the Democratic line," quipped GOP City Chairman Dan Farrell.


Staff writer Tim O'Brien can be reached at 454-5092 or by e-mail at tobrien@timesunion.com.





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