But as term limits mark the end of many a political tenure, some officials and party leaders believe that their next of kin should be next in line.

Peter Jr. and Paul are political squires - heirs to the Vallone dynasty.

Peter Vallone Jr. announced this week that he is considering a bid to replace his father in the City Council – while his father prepares to campaign for the mayoralty. Shortly after the passing of State Senator Leonard Stavisky, the Democratic party endorsed Stavisky’s wife Toby to run for the seat, and insiders believe that their son Evan may become the district leader. And, according to some insiders, Assemblyman Denis Butler hopes that his son, Denis, Jr., will one day replace him in the legislature.

But this is nothing new in Queens. When Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin passed away in 1994, his son Mark was elected to his seat in a special election, and his son David became a district leader. And in 1998, City Comptroller Alan Hevesi did not even need to campaign for the election of his son Dan to the state senate; his candidacy was unopposed.

Children of political families say that they were instilled with the ideals of public service from an early age. Opponents say that this is little more than nepotism, noting that a 1994 study found that one in 10 state legislators had a relative on the payroll.

"New York has a long tradition of dynasties," said Mitchell Moss, a Professor at the Taub Center for Urban Research at New York University. "It’s not a surprise. It’s like the Trumps — you might compare them to the Roosevelts or the Wagners; it’s not unique to have politically active offspring. It’s a tradition. But in Queens, the number of families involved is truly striking."

So is this trend unique to Queens? And if so, is this necessarily a bad thing?

Voting For Junior

Waiting for Paul Vallone to pick up the phone at Vallone & Vallone, the law firm in Astoria where brothers Peter Jr. and Paul Vallone practice law, the recorded, on-hold message repeats, "For almost 70 years and three generations, we have been involved in public service and legal representation."

Paul, 32, the youngest of the Vallone clan said "There is no Vallone dynasty… first and fore-most, we are Dad’s sons and his most loyal supporters."

While Peter Vallone Sr.’s mayoral campaign is not yet official, because of term limits, he cannot be reelected to the City Council.

Meanwhile, Peter Jr., 38, is holding a $300 per person fund raiser on July 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in East Elmhurst; the former Manhattan assistant district attorney said his father’s bid for mayor is his priority. "My primary concern is my father," he said. "If my candidacy would hurt my father, I would pull out. Should he decide to run, he would be a formidable mayor. He has a reputation for integrity, honesty and compassion. I want to emulate him."

But George Delis, who serves as District Manager of Community Board 1, and who may run for the same City Council seat as Peter Jr., thinks his likely young opponent lacks experience. "He may be Vallone’s son. He brings the name. I bring 22 years of experience. I might run for it; I’m not intimidated," said Delis. "If families like the Staviskys and the Vallones continue to command politics, the public will get turned off. They just won’t want to vote."

What’s In A Name?

Whether choosing a detergent or a democrat, our decisions are greatly influenced by tried and tested "brand names." Campaign managers and political insiders will attest that this is the single greatest advantage that children of politicians have.

"A political family name brings with it a lot of political capital," said Paul Kerson, a prominent Queens attorney who has often been critical of the machinery of Queens politics. "Voters do not even necessarily know that they are voting for the son instead of the father."

"If you’re Peter Vallone Jr., you don’t have to buy identity, which is usually the most expensive part of any campaign," said Hank Sheinkopf, a political consultant.

But to the children of politicians themselves, a name will only get you so far.

David and Mark Weprin have continued in the legacy of their father Saul. One can only wonder about the next generation.

"People did not vote for me because I am Saul Weprin’s son," said Assembly-man Mark Weprin. "They vote for me for who I am and what I bring to the job. I probably would not have been in politics if it were not for my dad, because I would not have grown up learning the business and its benefits."

State Senator Dan Hevesi, 29, said that having a name often puts you under a higher degree of scrutiny. "We have to overcome the notion that we do not deserve to be here," he said.

And having a name does not in itself seal an election, added Weprin. "That is why we have elections." Councilman Walter McCaffrey agreed. "Ultimately the voters end up being very discerning," he said. "A name in itself is not going to sustain you."

But the problem, according to Kerson, is that the voters never get the opportunity to be discerning, because the Democratic party leadership puts their support behind one candidate with widespread support, in the hopes that a primary can be avoided.

Dan Hevesi followed in his father's high-tops, both in Albany and on the court.

"Queens has an aversion to conflict," added Sheinkopf. "You can almost count the number of real races on one hand."

A Level Playing Field?

Bernice Siegal, counsel to Councilman Sheldon Leffler, plans to run for her boss’ seat. She believes voters need to ask, Who are these people? What have they done to be considered for any elected position? "In some races people are not asking the right questions," Siegal added.

Siegal has trust in the voting public to voice their opinions and re-open the political process when necessary. "People voted in term limits as well as campaign finance reform. The playing field has been leveled a bit… The United States broke away from a system of royalty. I’m not sure that people will vote simply for a name. The electorates have a choice."

However, political insiders make it clear that the Democratic organization will put their support behind David Weprin – son of Saul and brother of Mark.