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Christine Quinn, the out speaker of the New York City Council, officially announced her bid to be the city's next mayor.
The 46-year-old Democrat who was highly expected to run for the city's top spot would be New York's first female and its first openly LGBT mayor. Project Quinn married her longtime partner Kim Catullo last year. In addition to a biographical announcement video (below), Quinn kicked off her campaign with a "Walk and Talk" tour to the various neighborhoods of the city to interact with citizens.
As the New York Times points out, this tactic seems to be a nod to former mayor, the late Ed Koch's "How'm I Doin'" routine. In 2011, Koch said he would endorse Quinn for mayor and that she was the ideal "center-to-the-left candidate.
With strong fund-raising and a close working relationship with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Quinn is perceived as a front-runner in the crowded Democratic field. Other candidates eyeing the office include Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Comptroller John Liu, former Comptroller Bill Thompson, and former MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, according to MSNBC.
Quinn was also endorsed earlier this year by the Human Rights Campaign.
“New York needs Christine Quinn because she approaches every issue she cares about with passion and drive,” HRC president Chad Griffin said in a press release. “Whether it’s equality for all New Yorkers, great public schools, or 21st-century infrastructure, Chris is ready to fight for the city New Yorkers deserve.” HRC noted Quinn’s work for LGBT rights, funding for HIV/AIDS services, on-time and balanced budgets, and prevention of teacher layoffs and firehouse closings.
Watch her campaign's announcement video below:
