Weiner's Out, Baldwin In? NYC Mayor Race 2013

Alec Baldwin may run for mayor of New York City, now that Anthony Weiner seems to be out of the picture, The Daily reported today.

Weiner had until recently been considered a strong candidate for the New York City mayoral race in 2013, but in light of the scandal that has unfolded on the cover of every NYC newspaper throughout the last week, Weiner might be lucky just to keep his current job.

Baldwin has long toyed with the idea of running for political office, and had previously announced he would be leaving 30 Rock after the 2012 season.

A source described as a friend of Baldwin's said the actor is considering how the shakeup might impact his chances at succeeding Bloomberg (assuming the latter ever leaves office):

Alec said, 'Hey, maybe this changes the race. The dynamics have shifted,' Baldwin's unidentified friend told The Daily. The Democrats need a high-profile candidate, and Alec can fill that bill.

Baldwin is a firmly liberal Democrat who has had a long and public love affair with New York City. Born and raised in Massapequa, Long Island, the actor has hosted Saturday Night Live 15 times; tying with Steve Martin as the most frequent host.

He is also a frequent Live from Lincoln Center host of the New York Philharmonic. In a Capital One commercial currently airing, Baldwin describes Lincoln Center as his favorite place in the world.

Baldwin's portrayal of Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock - which is loosely based on Tina Faye's experiences on SNL - has cemented his place as one of America's most beloved actors, and he has been able to remain in the public's good graces despite some unbecoming behavior: In 2007, a vitriolic voicemail message Baldwin left for his 11-year old daughter Ireland was leaked by his ex-wife, Kim Basinger.

Baldwin issued a public apology after the incident.

A NY1-Marist poll released this week found only a very slim margin of New Yorkers felt that Weiner should *not* resign - 51% of those surveyed thought he should remain in office, and 56% said they did not believe Weiner should run for mayor in 2013. In a similar poll conducted by WABC, only 11% said they would vote for Weiner if he ran for mayor.