There will be a Democratic divide on Afghanistan, but where the fault line will be is fuzzy.

CNN: Obama ally breaks with him on Afghanistan

The Democratic female members are one of many factions that divide the Assembly, which makes Silver's job as leader tougher, but also makes it more difficult for anyone to gain enough support to challenge him.

WSJ: Analysis: NY Assembly speaker shaken after scandal

Some conservatives won't support the governor because of her more liberal views on some "moral issues, " but Whitman should benefit from a Democratic primary race that will drain resources from the party and divide the Democrats.

CNN: By Stuart Rothenberg