AUBURN -- A Cayuga County legislator-elect will certainly be sworn in to his District 6 seat Wednesday, but whether Republican Roger Mills becomes the Legislature's next chairman is less clear.

The Republican majority selected Owasco representative Mills as its choice to replace George Fearon, R-Springport, at a caucus in December. Peter Tortorici, a city Republican who unsuccessfully challenged Fearon for the chairmanship a year ago, did not seek the appointment at that time.

"I can tell you that there are some supporters that want to see me become the chairman," Tortorici said Monday. "I do support change and I will probably put my name on the floor Wednesday."

A few factors suggest he may be able to get the 8-7 edge needed to win the chairman designation this time.

"I think some, especially the newly elected legislators, are looking for change from the status quo," Tortorici said. "I want to bring everyone together and work together to move the county forward."

The Legislature will gain two new Republicans Wednesday -- Michael Chapman, of Cato and David Axton, of Mentz.

Chapman was not immediately available for comment Wednesday. Axton said he's made a choice for chairman, but declined to elaborate before the appointment is made.

"I'm supporting the best person for the job," Axton said.

Sterling Republican Christopher Palermo, who challenged Mills for the caucus vote last month, also declined to name his choice for chairman Monday.

The chairman selection may hinge on the plans of the Legislature's three Democrats, two of whom were elected to office in November. The group planned to meet today to decide whether to nominate a candidate or support another, Legislator-elect Patrick Mahunik, D-Auburn, said.

For more, read Tuesday's Citizen