Elizabeth Benjamin of the NY Daily News says O’Donnell would be one of a few seeking scandal-laden Charlie Rangel’s seat if Rangel chooses not to run for re-election. O’Donnell would be the first out member of NY’s Congressional delegation.

O’Donnell noted all but one ED of his district is located within Rangel’s district and pointed out that he has lived on the same block for more than 20 years. He also has a connection north of his district, which ends at 125th Street, having served on Community Board 9 for seven years prior to his election to the Assembly in 2002.

…O’Donnell told me he would be more than willing to run in a Democratic primary if one materializes for Rangel’s seat, even if that means challenging his Assembly colleague, Adam Clayton Powell IV, who sits just two seats down from O’Donnell in the chamber.

In more NY political drama, this news broke just before O’Donnell’s office sent out his announcement:

Massa to retire amid allegations he sexually harassed a male staffer

Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) will not seek reelection after only one term in office. According to several House aides – on both sides of the aisle – the House Ethics Committee has been informed of allegations that Massa, who is married with two children, sexually harassed a male staffer.

Massa, whose departure endangers Democrats’ hold on a competitive seat, told POLITICO Wednesday afternoon that no one has brought allegations of misconduct to him. Asked about the sexual harassment allegations, Massa said: “When someone makes a decision to leave Congress, everybody says everything. I have health issues. I’ll talk about it [later].”

Who knows what’s true about the allegations, but NY Dems, both at the state (Gov. Paterson, Massa) and federal level (Rangel) have a lot of disarray going on politically. At least the O’Donnell news is positive.