Alec Baldwin is considering a run for New York City mayor in 2013 now that the Democratic field has erupted in the wake of the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal, NBC New York has confirmed.
A spokesman for the "30 Rock" funnyman told NBC New York on Wednesday: "I wouldn't rule it out."
The actor himself then tweeted "It's a long way till November of 2013."
One thing he might want to do before deciding is register to vote in New York City. The Board of Elections tells NBC New York that the office has no record of him on file.
Records show the born-and-raised Long Island Democrat, who has a home in the Hamptons, is actually registered in Suffolk County.
Baldwin has said for many years that he would like to work in government, and has been floated as a possible candidate for various offices.
Weiner was considered a likely front-runner until he admitted this week that he had sent a photo of his groin to a female Twitter follower, and then lied about it. He also confessed to having a series of online sexting relationships over the years.
Local
The news that Baldwin is considering a City Hall run was first reported by The Daily.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal in March, Baldwin said that when his hit show is over, "I want to do something completely different anyway. Find myself into a situation where I could direct funding."
Asked whether that means working in government, he said "Maybe. At least find a way to help people figure out where the money should go. How uncreative these bastards [in government] can be down there."
That same article was devoted to detailing Baldwin's increased philanthropy this year, including $1 million to the New York Philharmonic and $500,000 to the Roundabout Theatre Company.
He also told the Journal that proceeds from his series of Capital One ads will go toward cultural charities.
His giving doesn't bring him up to the level of the billionaire mayor, Baldwin said.
"I'm not Bloomberg or the Koch family or Ronald Perelman," he said. "I'm not in that league, but I'm hoping this dialogue will bring more attention to arts coverage."
