Quinn in the Lead as Weiner Meltdown Continues

The humiliating melt down of Rep. Anthony Weiner has reshuffled the 2013 mayoral race, with political insiders nominating City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and former Comptroller Bill Thompson as the new front-runners.

For all his fierce partisan attacks on Republicans in Washington, Weiner was viewed as the most moderate in the field of a half-dozen Democrats looking to succeed Mayor Bloomberg.

Quinn has the best chance of assuming that mantle.

“The establishment is starting to move toward Quinn,” said one veteran political consultant.

Thompson is the only black candidate in the race, and the only one to have previously run for City Hall.

Comptroller John Liu’s chances to move up are closely tied to what Thompson does.

“If Thompson is in the race, [Liu] can’t possibly be competitive,” said one source who knows both men. “Liu is very popular in black areas, but the black vote would all go to Thompson.”

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio’s hope of becoming mayor is closely tied to what Liu does.

With more than two years before the election, there’s still time for others candidates to jump in.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, for one.

“He’s at every event I go to,” said one staffer for an elected official.