The electoral outlook in the 1st district has become even more complex now that Suffolk Legislator Jay Schneiderman is considering an independent bid for the Congressional seat now held by Rep. Tim Bishop (D).

Newsday reported that Schneiderman is forming an exploratory committee to test the waters.

Bishop, who ran on the Independence Party’s line in the previous election, would either need to run in an Independence Party primary or get authorization from party officials to run on its line again in 2010.

In contrast, Schneiderman, a former Republican, does not need permission to seek the Independence Party nomination, Newsday reported.