Christine Quinn Endorses Bill Thompson For NYC Mayor

In a bit of a shocker, openly gay New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, long seen as Michael Bloomberg's right-hand gal, has endorsed Comptroller Bill Thompson for mayor.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn off-handedly endorsed city Controller William Thompson for mayor on Monday, despite being a longstanding ally of Mayor Bloomberg. By doing so, Quinn (D-Manhattan) bowed to the demands of Council Democrats, who said she needed to back their candidate if she wants to be reelected speaker next year. "I believe Bill Thompson has been a good controller, I think he would be a good mayor, and I think it's very important that the Democrats are united," Quinn told reporters after an unrelated event. Thompson said he was happy with the endorsement and was working out details with her staff for a joint appearance.

Didn't see that coming.