STATEN ISLAND – Greek-Americans in New York are excited about the prospect of New York State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis running for the Congressional seat that will open up after the expected resignation of Rep. Michael Grimm.

The incumbent pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud and will be soon sentenced to prison. Grimm represents Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and a portion of Staten Island, which largely corresponds to Malliotakis’ Assembly district.

“I am taking a serious look at the seat…As someone who currently represents both Brooklyn and Staten Island, I have a thorough understanding of the needs of the district. I will be discussing it with my party leaders, county committee members, my supporters and my family, and will make a decision shortly,” she told SILive.com.

The dynamic young legislator took office on January 1, 2011 and she first gained the attention of the media and the wider community with her compassionate and energetic response to families struggling with the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy.

Before her November re-election to the Assembly she responded to questions about her future plans by saying, “Where I go from here is up to God and my constituents, and if for some reason my constituents would like to see me and my party would like to see me in another capacity somewhere down the line, then I will certainly look into and entertain that.”

SILive.com reported that “Republican Party Chairman John Antoniello said Friday that his party would start discussing the possibility of a special election after the holidays. He didn’t return calls Monday night to discuss whether the plans would be moved up in light of Grimm’s expected resignation.”

Other possible Republicans contenders include District Attorney Daniel Donovan, state Sen. Andrew Lanza and former Rep. Vito Fossella.
Democratic Party Chairman John Gulino called for Grimm’s resignation last week, and Assemblyman Michael Cusick is at the top of Democrats’ list. Former Rep. Michael McMahon is also showing interest.

Community leaders believe that the congressional vacancy is an opportunity it must not miss to strengthen its voice in Washington at a critical moment in the history of Greece and Cyprus and its relations with the U.S.