The Politicker, recently named the best political blog by both the Village Voice AND the New York Press in their annual "Best of New York 2005" issues, floated a twin rumor a couple of weeks ago that former (and openly gay) Manhattan Borough President candidates Margarita Lopez and Brian Ellner were on the verge of endorsing Michael Bloomberg.Brian's endorsement of Bloomberg (and announcement that he would be working for the Bloomberg campaign) came yesterday. Today, it was Margarita's turn.
Some in the NYC LGBT political world are apoplectic about their moves and the digitally re-touched campaign flyer above made enough rounds to be picked up in a story that runs in today's New York Post (which loves to see gays get all apoplectic and stuff).
I am sure that Brian Ellner, a smart and charismatic guy who might have ran for Manhattan Borough President too soon in a multi-candidate field, has his reasons to go for Bloomberg and he is entitled to them. As for Margarita, it was no secret that - of the Democratic City Council members - she undoubtedly had a close relationship with Bloomberg even before she announced her run for Manhattan Borough President. The fact that Fernando Ferrer did not ultimately endorse Margarita (and in fact was seen hanging out with another Latino Manhattan Borough President candidate, Adriano Espaillat), must have hurt deeply.
I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about Mike Bloomberg and gay issues and I told him that, while I disagreed with his stand on many of them, I did not think he was a homophobe. Which is why I dislike the kind of mud-slinging (including image above) that characterizes some exchanges in the NYC LGBT political community.
Brian and Margarita have made a desision and they are entitled to it. I still think that Ferrer will be better than Bloomberg on LGBT issues, part of why I am voting for him. But I also think there is room to allow these two community leaders to form their own opininion and go with Bloomberg.
UPDATE: Here is Gay City News' take on the endorsements which was just posted on their website.
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