Plummer Can Be Fired, Quinn's Lawyers Say

Pressure is mounting on City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to fire the council staff member, Viola Plummer, who threatened to end council member Leroy Comrie's political career, even if it took an "assassination." The verdict on Ms. Plummer could come any day now that Ms. Quinn's lawyers have assured her she is within her rights to fire her, a City Hall source said.

Ms. Plummer is chief of staff to Councilman Charles Barron of Brooklyn and chairwoman of a black activist group. Mr. Barron said he will fight any plans to fire his chief of staff.