SCRAMBLE ON FOR SPEAKER'S POST.(Main)

Byline: Dan Janison Capitol bureau

A battle to succeed Mel Miller as the state's second most powerful Democrat erupted Friday after the Assembly speaker's conviction on fraud charges.

James Tallon of Binghamton, the Assembly majority leader, said from the Capitol conference room he hopes to dominate, "I am a candidate for speaker, yes."

For the moment, Tallon is considered an underdog against Ways and Means Committee Chairman Saul Weprin of Queens - who said Friday that he believes he has already lined up the votes needed.

For the moment, Tallon succeeds Miller as the acting speaker of the 150-seat body, which has 95 Democrats.

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