Well, well. This is interesting. the politicker is reporting in an exclusive that Manhattan Assemblyman Sheldon Silver the stadium slayer might just get a challenger in the next cycle. Who might this be? Current City Coincilwoman, Bloomberg chum and MBP hopeful, Margarita Lopez. Interesting if true.

Exclusive: A Challenge for Shelly?

After Shelly Silver killed the West Side Stadium, there was a quick round of muttering that Bloomberg would take his revenge by supporting a challenger in Silver's Lower Manhattan district.

That speculation dissolved when nobody could name a serious challenger.

But now, The Politicker hears, Bloomberg's circle has a favorite: City Councilwoman Margarita Lopez.

Lopez is now running for Manhattan Borough President, but if she doesn't make it through that crowded field, it's easy to see Bloomberg would backing a woman he's long had a personal liking for. She's also shown her political strength against Shelly by beating his chief-of-staff, Judy Rapfogel, in a 1997 Council race.

In a quick interview this morning, Lopez said she returns the affection -- "He is truly, truly a gentleman," she said -- but called the suggestion she would run against Silver "ludicrous."

Personally, I think the Mayor should be thanking Shelly for removing that albatross from his neck. The Powers That Be sure can hold a grudge though.

Stay tuned...