"Everyone wants me in their districts these days," said the Manhattan Democrat.

He had worked for the Senator, a Manhattan Democrat, since the early 1980's.

His post is to be filled at a meeting of Manhattan Democrats on Wednesday.

The Manhattan Democrat told the commission: "For you to go forward with this hearing makes no sense."

Even so, the Manhattan Democrat has shifted from supporting the name change to official neutrality because of emerging opposition.

It was ostensibly arranged to allow Manhattan Democrats to hear from the prospective candidates before voting their endorsement.

Mr. Miller, a Manhattan Democrat, said that he had great optimism about his chances.

Mr. Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, has vowed that he will not extend them with it.

In a bow to reform, Manhattan Democrats set up an independent screening panel to assist in judicial selection.

"It's a difficult decision, in that a lot of the criticisms of the plan are accurate," said the Speaker, a Manhattan Democrat.