Source: Dilan “Close To Pulling Trigger,” Congressional Decision “Days Away”

There’s been a flood of news this morning concerning rumors that Councilman Erik Martin Dilan is plotting a run against Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez – and for good reason.

A close confidant of Dilan said this morning that a decision on whether to challenge Velázquez is only “days away,” that Dilan is quietly holding meetings to line up support from a “sizable” number of Council colleagues in preparation for a run.

“He’s done his homework on a number of fronts, and he’s close to pulling the trigger,” the source close to Dilan said. “There’s a lot of folks out there he’s done things for, and they’re going to pay him back by working for him.”

Roberto Perez first reported the rumors about a possible congressional run – and refueled them in a post last night. Colin Campbell had more this morning, and Liz Benjamin got a hold of an invite to a Dilan congressional fundraiser. (I thought it was interesting that the treasurer is listed as Christian Espinal – perhaps related to Assemblyman Rafael Espinal?)

Despite all the speculation, a second source close to Dilan cautioned that finals plans had not been made.

“I believe he’s seriously looking at it, but he hasn’t made a final decision,” the source said.

Dilan did not return requests for comment.