The Democratic chairmen in the 11 counties within New York’s 23rd district has released the names of 11 potential candidates who will be considered for the party’s nominee in the special election to replace Rep. John McHugh (R).

After reviewing each candidate’s applications for the nomination, the county chairmen plan to meet with each candidate on Aug. 10 at Syracuse University’s Minnowbrook Conference Center. The chairmen will vote on the nomination and announce their selection later that day.

The party had previously signaled its intention to back state Sen. Darrel Aubertine (D) in the yet-to-be-scheduled special election, but Aubertine announced last week that he wouldn’t run.

The 11 candidates for the nomination include attorneys William Owens, Brian McGrath and John Sullivan Jr., who have all caught the eye of national party leaders, and Michael Oot, who unsuccessfully ran against McHugh in 2008.

Other Democrats seeking the nomination are Andy Bisselle and Stu Brody of Essex County, Danny Francis and Bob Johnson of Jefferson County, Rudolph Johnson and David Ryan of Franklin County, and Steve Burke of St. Lawrence County.

Two other potential candidates submitted their paperwork but later withdrew from consideration.

Attorney and former Congressional staffer Dan French, whose name had often been in the mix for the nomination in the past week, also decided not to seek the nomination.

State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava will be the Republican nominee in the special election, which will be scheduled after McHugh’s expected confirmation to be Army secretary.