NYC Democratic Mayoral Candidates Weigh In On Weiner Entering Race
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Democratic field for New York City mayor got a little more crowded Wednesday with the announcement that Anthony Weiner is entering the race, but his fellow candidates didn't seem too concerned.
Several candidates weighed in on the latest addition to the race Wednesday morning at the Crain's New York Business Democratic debate, just hours after Weiner released a YouTube video declaring his bid for mayor.
The very first question to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn was about the former Congressman's entry into the mayor's race was worded this way, "Do you have a comment about Weiner?"
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported it provoked a vintage Quinn laugh, followed by the following response.
Quinn Reacts To Weiner's Entry Into Mayor's Race
"What a well developed and surprising question. Anthony Weiner has joined the race for mayor, as is his right to do, but that really doesn't change my perspective or plan in this race at all."
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner Launches NYC Mayoral Bid
When asked by the moderator if Weiner is qualified to be mayor "by temperament and experience," the candidates either ignored the question or dismissed Weiner as a viable candidate altogether, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reported.
"I want to talk about what I've done and my vision because when you're a candidate, that's kind of what it's about," Quinn said.
"I think that is going to be up to the people of the City of New York," former Comptroller Bill Thompson said. "It is obviously way too early to tell how the public is going to react."
"Honestly, I won't be voting for him," said Comptroller John Liu.
"He's just a career politician who has some additional quirks," Sal Albanese said.
"There is no one in the race or on the horizon who has a record as long as mine of delivering for New Yorkers," Quinn added.
But a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday morning puts Weiner in the number two spot at 15 percent, just behind Quinn who was at 25 percent.
EXTRA: See The Full Poll Results
Thompson and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio came in third at 10 percent each followed by Liu at 6 percent, Albanese at 2 percent and 27 percent undecided.
Quinnipiac surveyed 1,082 New York City voters between May 14 and May 20. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Republican contenders for New York City mayor include billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis, former MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota and homelessness-aid organization head George McDonald.
Former White House housing official Aldolfo Carrion Jr. is running on the Independence Party line.
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