Two days after a devastating report detailing sexual abuse was released by The New Yorker, former State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman finally emerged from his Upper West Side apartment on Wednesday and quickly sped off in an SUV.

Meanwhile, the race to succeed him was speeding up as well. On Wednesday, Public Advocate Letitia James was on her way to locking up nearly enough votes in the Democratic-controlled state Assembly to secure the replacement appointment. Sources say James also has the support of Queens Democratic Chair Joe Crowley and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who demurred when reporters asked him.

• Manhattan DA, Cuomo at odds over Schneiderman probe

"Look, I think there are a number of very good candidates who have quote-on-quote put their name out for consideration," the governor said. "So, I think it should be open and deliberative for the legislature, and for myself also. Let's see who is interested."

In a statement, James said, "I am honored by the encouragement and support I have received and am considering the best ways to continue serving New York."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, formally announced the process for selecting the next attorney general. That process will include interviewing interested candidates in Albany next week.

"We are going to have public hearings. You guys will be able to come and witness," Heastie said Wednesday to members of the news media.

State Senate Republicans have not agreed to participate in the process, leading some insiders to believe that James has a lock on the job.

Sources say a deal was in the works that would include support for James within the Bronx delegation in exchange for her supporting Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to replace her as public advocate. That office will be vacant if James is appointed attorney general, creating a special election.

Bronx Democratic county leaders denied any backroom deal was made. Late Wednesday, a spokesperson for Diaz insisted he will not run for public advocate.

If James is appointed attorney general next week, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio would have three days to call a special election for public advocate.

Depending on the timing, there could end up being three separate elections for the office this year: A non-partisan special election, a Democratic primary, and the general election in November.