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Embattled NYS Assemblyman Vito Lopez Running For City Council

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York state assemblyman tarnished by a sexual harassment scandal has filed to run for a New York City Council seat.

The City Campaign Finance Board said Monday that Assemblyman Vito Lopez filed for a Brooklyn seat. The Associated Press reported that no one immediately responded to calls and a text message to a number for his political committee.

The once-powerful Lopez lost his Assembly leadership role and his job as Brooklyn Democratic party boss last year after allegations emerged that he had sexually harassed female staffers. Two claims were secretly settled for $103,000, using taxpayer money.

Lopez has denied harassing anyone.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics investigated that deal. Its report hasn't been disclosed.

The 71-year-old Lopez announced in February that his health was deteriorating and that he was extremely fatigued. Still, talk circulated of a possible council run.

Lopez announced in 2010 that he had esophageal cancer. He said he was diagnosed with leukemia in 1993.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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