Gay Democrats Embrace Frontrunner de Blasio in NYC Mayor Contest
By Esmé E. Deprez - Oct 15, 2013
Some of New Yorks most prominent gay Democrats are holding a $1,000-per-person fundraiser for mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, for what hosts are calling the most significant embrace of the frontrunner.
The group will gather Oct. 20 at the home of Charles Myers, partner at investment bank Evercore Partners Inc. (EVR) and bundler for President Barack Obama, according to an invitation e-mailed from de Blasios campaign. Other hosts include Richard Socarides, a former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, and Tim Gunn, star of televisions Project Runway, who backed Christine Quinn, the lesbian City Council speaker, in the primary for the Democratic nomination.
Since winning the Sept. 10 primary, de Blasio has slimmed down his public schedule in favor of private fundraisers. Hes since raised almost $820,000, city campaign finance records show. Contributors included Leonard Feinstein, the co-founder of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY), and John Zucotti, co-chairman of Brookfield Office Properties, who each gave $4,950, the legal maximum.
We supported Chris because we were excited about the idea of having an openly gay mayor, not to mention her long history and record, Socarides said in an interview. But now people are excited about Bill and think hes going to be an outstanding mayor, not only for the gay community but for all New York.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-15/gay-democrats-embrace-frontrunner-de-blasio-in-nyc-mayor-contest.html