BUFFALO, N.Y. — Following Eric Schneiderman's resignation, the Democratic Party is scrambling to find a candidate for a position they thought was already taken care of.

The Assembly and Senate now will look for a replacement, but former Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Len Lenihan says the timetable could make things more challenging.

"Traditionally, they will make an appointment, use their influence to try to put the strongest person in that office. In this case, it's unique because it comes right on the heels of the convention, which is going to be held in two weeks. They may not even get behind anyone by then. It depends," Lenihan said.

Lenihan and current Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner have named three Western New Yorkers who should be considered for the position: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, former Lt. Gov. candidate Leecia Eve and County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

Of the three, they view Hochul as the least likely to throw her hat in the ring.

"I spoke with Kathy last night. She was in Greenwich Village working hard and she is laser-focused on being the lieutenant governor and running for reelection," Zellner said.

Lenihan says it's hard to name a favorite statewide, because no one has firmly said they want the position.

He did however say not to discount the possibility of the Assembly looking within to fill the position like it did for the state comptroller position in 2006.

"When Alan Hevesi left office, the State Assembly appointed one of their own, Tom DiNapoli, who today is still in that office,” Lenihan said.

Lenihan says the bottom line is anything can happen in the next few weeks, so buckle up.