Preet Bharara Speaks on Potential Run for NY Attorney General: ‘I Don’t Know If I Want That Job’

It seems former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara has not completely ruled out the possibility of running for New York attorney general and taking Eric Schneiderman‘s place.

Schneiderman was forced to resign in disgrace earlier this week after multiple women spoke out to the New Yorker with detailed claims about his physically abusive behavior.

In his latest podcast, Bharara said Schneiderman’s alleged behavior “stunned, dismayed, and disgusted” him, and he acknowledged all of the people who expressed hope that he’ll throw his hat in the race to become the new AG.

“First thing I’ll say is I’m very flattered by that, I’m very touched by that, it means a lot to me. Second thing is, it’s an important job, and it’s never been more important, but frankly, I don’t know if I want that job. Politics is not my cup of tea. There’s a lot of things you’ve got to do in politics, given the current framework, given the current campaign finance system, and I have always tried to find ways to serve most of my adult life in a position where I didn’t feel like I had to compromise based on politics.”

In terms of who should serve as the interim AG, Bharara suggested that the NY legislature shouldn’t choose him because “It does have the look and feel of a backroom deal and that’s not something I want to be a part of right now.”

“I’m not going to participate in that process,” Bharara said. “They should not have a dog and pony show in the state Legislature.”

Bhrara recommended that solicitor general Barbara Underwood be tapped for interim AG, saying she is “beyond reproach” and is “eminently qualified” for the job. As for the November election, “that’s for another day.”

“Like I said, I think politics is not really for me, but it’s an important job, it’s an important time so we’ll see.”

[Image via screengrab]

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